Video of addicts go viral on social media

A number of disturbing videos, showing individuals under the influence of drugs, have gone viral on social media platforms, highlighting the persistent issue of drug abuse in the region.

Footage includes men and women seen staggering along roadsides, allegedly intoxicated. One recent incident involved a woman at Mehma village, who was accused by locals of selling narcotics. In the video, she claimed that she was there to procure drugs while her alleged supplier fled the scene. Villagers recovered two pouches of narcotics and handed her over to the police.

On June 23, a video showed two young men injecting drugs in Maqboolpura. Prior to that, a similar footage appeared on a social media platform showing a woman and a man allegedly taking narcotics on 100 Feet Road. The woman claimed she was an addict and that the police were aware of her situation.

Despite repeated seizures and arrests, authorities admit that access to contraband remains widespread. A significant challenge is the relapse of rehabilitated addicts. Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr Sheetal Singh referred to a case involving a woman found near a bus stand, who had been admitted to the government rehabilitation centre three times in June, but refused to give consent for continued treatment. She was transferred to an OAAT centre with authorities now seeking the support of an NGO for her recovery.

Expert Dr Jaswinder Singh Gandhi emphasised that while anti-drug campaigns are commendable, the long-term battle requires persistent public involvement and stronger rehabilitation measures.