VoTV against controlled sale of traditional drugs

Tribune News Service

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Amritsar, February 7

Voice of Tobacco Victims, an anti-tobacco campaign, has condemned the demand of a few organizations for controlled sale of traditional drugs like opium, poppy husk and cannabis to check the use of drugs as heroin and smack.

Patron of VoTV, Dr Prahlad Duggal, speaking during a discussion on the issue, said police reforms and strict action against drug suppliers is the only option to free the state from the menace of drugs.

He said that instead of solving the drug problem, controlled sale would only push the Punjab into the grip of traditional drugs and the cartels selling these. He said drug addicts usually start by drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco.

Duggal said stringent laws against the use of alcohol and tobacco products can help in keeping children away from drugs instead of allowing them to use traditional drugs. Even if the controlled sale of traditional drugs is allowed, who would ensure that it is controlled and not arbitrary as the police has already failed in checking the law and order situation in Punjab, he said.