Unite against the drug mafia
Government and organizations are making intensive efforts to discourage people, including youth and students, from using drugs. No matter how hard they try, drug use only seems to be increasing. The wicked groups working behind this even lure school children into drug addiction. Not a day goes by where illegal substances, including drugs, are not seized across the state, as is gold smuggled at airports. Recently, around 10 people, including young women, were arrested in Pandalam and Thiruvananthapuram's Akkulam with MDMA. Young women are also included in these groups so that they do not get noticed by the authorities.
The drug trade seems to be flourishing in the state as many see it as a shortcut to make vast sums of money very easily. It is a matter of great concern to the society. Nearly 1800 children were arrested in connection with the drug trade in the last two and a half years. This is an indication of how dangerous the situation has become.
It can be said that a large number of people turned to drugs since liquor shops were closed down for political gain during the UDF government. Its trade does not require any special place or storage facility. Taking advantage of this facility, many drug gangs will start operating. The members of these gangs are available to deliver the drugs to anyone looking for an intoxicant within minutes. They are not afraid of police checking.
The Excise Department is planning to test a new method to easily detect drug peddlers as well as drug users. They will soon hit the road with a new type of kit to help with this. If a person has used drugs, a sample of his saliva is enough to prove it. A saliva test kit can detect whether a person has used drugs. This system has been successfully tested in Kochi. The excise officers are likely to come out for inspection with saliva kits across the state during Onam.
There should be no compromise towards drug mafias. The threat they pose to society is so deadly in nature. Several families are getting destroyed due to drug abuse. We should try to bring the children who go astray to the right path. Specially trained and open-minded officers should be assigned for it.
We are very happy to say that 'Kerala Kaumudi' has been active in the fight against drugs for the past three to four years. The 'Bodhapournami' program is being conducted continuously in all the districts of the state. Through Bodhapournami, study classes and campaigns are being conducted to educate all sections of the society against drug use. Many distinguished people from all walks of life are a part of it. Drug mafias should be seen as silent killers. The society should also participate in the efforts of the government to suppress it by any means.