The United Nations’ World Drug Report in 2007 highlighted the staggering $300 billion in revenues generated every year by illicit drug trafficking, underscoring the persistent challenges despite rigorous international efforts to curb substance abuse. The global concern is rising and needs continuous and coordinated international efforts. The Bharatiya youth are no exception, and the menace of substance abuse among youth in Bharat is a burgeoning crisis that poses significant threats to the nation’s future.
Bharat officially has 15.8 million children between the ages of 10 and 17 who are addicted to drugs. Experts warn that the actual number is far higher. The National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre has called for an urgent solution to the crisis. According to data shared in the parliament in February 2023, between 2014 and 2022, over 62.60 lakh kgs of drugs were seized, an increase of 180% compared to the 22.45 kg seizures of narcotics reported between 2006 and 2013. The problem of substance abuse is likely to explode further in the next decade as the societal construct is undergoing a massive shift with the increasing influence of ‘modernity’ and globalization.
As we observe the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26 June, it becomes imperative to highlight the gravity of this issue and the far-reaching consequences it has on young lives. The youth, often seen as the pillars of tomorrow, are increasingly falling prey to the destructive allure of narcotics. This not only jeopardizes their health and prospects but also strains the socio-economic and cultural fabric of the country. Addressing this challenge requires a multifaceted approach involving awareness, education, and stringent enforcement of laws.
There is an alarming rise in cases of youth spoiling their life falling victim to drug abuse
Substance abuse and addiction are showing a tremendous increase in various parts of the country. According to the Nimhans Center for Addiction Medicine in Bengaluru, Tapendatol addiction is on the rise among youngsters in Bengaluru. Usually prescribed as a painkiller after surgical procedures, the tablet is a well-known name in narcotics abuse groups and is sourced from wholesale pharmacists. There has been an exponential rise in this addiction, with recent statistics showing the alarming situation, where doctors are saying they see at least six patients with Tapentadol addiction every week.
According to the ‘Comprehensive National Survey on the Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India 2018’, there is a worrying pattern of narcotic substance abuse in Andhra Pradesh. The report, which was prepared based on the information obtained from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, further stated that 34.80 lakh people are victims of cannabis abuse, 8.53 lakh of opioids, 91,000 of cocaine and 2.86 lakh of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS). The report further mentioned that the youth in Andhra Pradesh are becoming drug addicts as there is a gradual increase in the activities of ganja smuggling, cocaine and other narcotic substances, the Union Minister informed.
In December 2023, data was tabled in the Rajya Sabha, indicating that Gujarat has approximately 6.9 lakh persons at the rate of 2.3% prevalence in the population who are addicted to sedatives. In absolute numbers, Gujarat was behind Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab and almost part of Andhra Pradesh. According to various reports from Gujarat, there has been a severe rise in narcotics seizures and abuse, especially among the youth.
As per the data of the Jharkhand police, from January 2022 to March 2023, 5458.52 kgs of narcotic substances have been recovered in the different districts of the state. According to the report ‘Magnitude of Use in India 2019’, out of the total amount of marijuana used in the country, 0.3 per cent of it gets consumed in Jharkhand.
Apart from marijuana and opium, the youth of Jharkhand have been caught in the trap of drugs, brown sugar, killer tablets, injections, dendrite, and syrups. Between January 2022 and March 2023, 61.97 kgs of brown sugar, 12.51 gms of heroin, 28774 kgs of doda (poppy capsule), ten gms of weed, 4593 syrup bottles of 100 gms, 184366 tablets and 4080 capsules have been seized.
Kashmir is not far behind in the youth narcotics pandemic. According to a statistic, an addict walked into Srinagar OPD every 12 minutes. Police records show that the seizure of heroin — the most consumed drug in Kashmir — has more than doubled in 2022 compared to 2019. The narcotics supply chain to Kashmir has been attributed to the Pakistani narco-terrorist trade mafia active in Jammu and Kashmir.
The extent of the drug abuse issue in Punjab is alarming. According to a Times of India report, an estimated 70% of the state’s youth are affected by drug addiction. Substance abuse ranges from prescription medications to street drugs like heroin and synthetic drugs like crystal methamphetamine.
Youth in Punjab are especially vulnerable due to the state’s strategic location, situated near the Golden Crescent – the drug-producing region encompassing Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. This geographical proximity has facilitated easy access to drugs, making them cheaper and readily available.
Relentless fight against drug mafia by the police authorities
The police authorities around the country are fighting this never-ending battle against the drug mafia networks spread across Bharat. Assam is becoming a hub of narcotics business, wherein just in June this year, multiple reports have come with drugs worth hundreds of crore rupees being seized. The other northeastern states of Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura are not far behind, with the tentacles of the drug mafia extending its poisonous reach to other states as well.
In May 2024, Delhi Police’s Special Cell busted an illegal manufacturing unit of the psychotropic substance ‘Alprazolam’ operating in Uttar Pradesh’s Gajraula. “A search of the factory, conducted in the presence of local police and officials from the Amroha drugs department, resulted in the recovery of a large number of raw materials used for manufacturing Alprazolam, totalling 1570 kg (1170 kg of salt and 400 litres of chemicals),” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Amit Kaushik.
The Punjab police reported that staggering cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and freebies amounting to around 609 crore rupees have been seized related to the drug mafia from March to May 2024. In April 2024, the Commissionerate Police Jalandhar busted an international drugs syndicate spread over five countries with the arrest of three persons of the same family while also recovering 48 kg heroin and Rs 21 lakh from their possession, making it the biggest heroin seizure of 2024.
In April 2024, in a groundbreaking operation, the Special Task Force (STF) in Assam achieved massive success by seizing a staggering 21 kgs of heroin in the Cachar district of Southern Assam. The estimated market value of the seized contraband stands at a whopping Rs 210 crore. In February 2024, the Bharatiya Navy and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized a boat with 3300 kgs of drugs near the International Maritime Boundary in the Arabian Sea off Gujarat.
Road to redemption: need for a comprehensive approach to address youth drug abuse
Bharat has witnessed a disturbing rise in drug abuse among its youth, influenced by a combination of socioeconomic factors, peer pressure, and the easy availability of narcotics. The National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre’s reports indicate an alarming prevalence of substance abuse among adolescents, with substances ranging from alcohol and cannabis to more dangerous drugs like heroin and methamphetamine.
The implications are severe, leading to increased crime rates, deteriorating mental and physical health, and disrupted family dynamics. Despite the efforts of various government and non-governmental organizations, the lack of a coordinated and comprehensive strategy continues to hinder effective resolution. Educational institutions, parents, and communities are crucial in early intervention and support for affected individuals.
On this International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, it is essential to reaffirm our commitment to combating the scourge of drug abuse among Bharatiya youth. Strengthening educational campaigns, enhancing community support systems, and enforcing stricter laws against drug trafficking are vital steps toward mitigating this issue.
Moreover, fostering an environment where young individuals feel supported and understood can significantly reduce the allure of drugs as a means of escape. Only through a collective and sustained effort can we hope to protect our youth and secure a healthier, drug-free future for Bharat.
