Prez calls for more vigilance to check drug trafficking

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday called for an increased vigilance in the border states like Punjab and Manipur to check drug trafficking and abuse.

“Increase in drug trafficking and drug abuse in the border areas is also associated with issues of terrorism and political unrest. That is why there is a need to be more vigilant in border states like Punjab and Manipur,” he said.

India's geographical location between Myanmar-Laos-Thailand’s ‘Golden Triangle’ and Iran-Afghanistan-Pakistan’s ‘Golden Crescent’ makes the problem of drug abuse and illicit trafficking acuter and complicated, he added.

The president was addressing an event organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to mark the 'International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.'

Kovind noted that misuse of illegal drugs was creating health challenges, especially for the young generation and school going children, suggesting that the problem of drug abuse can be solved by awareness, prevention, incentives, and support efforts.

“In these efforts, compassion and sympathy for the drug addicts are also necessary. Parents, teachers, doctors, voluntary organisations should be associated in the medical and rehabilitation efforts,” he added.

The President appreciated various initiatives taken by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to check drug abuse in India.

He also presented the national awards for outstanding services in the field of prevention of alcoholism and substance (drug) abuse to various institutions and individuals.

Addressing the programme, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot listed various initiatives take by his ministry to check alcoholism and drug abuse.

He said as many as 400 integrated rehabilitation centres for addicts (IRCAs) are functioning across the country with the support of his ministry under a scheme.

“About 1 lakh drug/alcohol addicts are benefitted every year under the scheme,” he added.