Policing, costly drugs help check addiction in Ferozepur

Anirudh Gupta

Ferozepur, July 2

With the changing dynamics of the demand-supply equation of drugs, juxtaposed with stricter policing, the costs of various drugs and psychotropic substances have seen a quantum jump in the past few months.

The recent decision of the Rajasthan High Court to close poppy husk vends in the state is likely to affect the prices further.

“As drugs are now out of their budget, youths who were earlier addicted to these have started shunning these,” said Paramraj Singh Umranangal, IG (Bhatinda Zone). Moreover, the multi-pronged strategy adopted by the police and other security agencies to check drug peddling from across the border, besides neighbouring Rajasthan where it was openly available, has also put brakes on this trade, he added.

At present, only one patient is undergoing treatment at the district drug-addiction centre on premises of Civil Hospital. The centre used to be abuzz patients earlier. Dr Rachna Mittal, a leading psychiatrist and in charge of the de-addiction centre, said following the virtual “war on drugs” launched during the last few months, there was an increasing consciousness among the youth about the ill-effects of drugs.

“More patients are now coming to OST (Opioid Substitution Therapy) Centre instead, which has given a new life to thousands of drug addicts,” she said, adding that everyday, 350 to 400 patients come to them who are administered a dose.

Lakhbir Singh, member, Zila Parishad, said most of the youths in his village, Sukhewala, had given up drugs. “In fact, we have subscribed to live radio channel which telecasts Gurbani and speakers have been put up all over the village,” he added. The village panchayat has spent Rs 1.5 lakh on this project,” said Mohinder Kaur, Sapanch. Hardyal Singh Mann, SSP, Ferozepur, said a number of drug addicts in the district had drastically come down. “Though it will take some more time to totally eradicate this menace, but the scenario is much better now,” he said.