The attack on the family of a North Indian official who was returning home after an evening walk at Pettah in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday night, and the brutal stabbing to death of an Uber taxi driver in a rented house on the National Highway near the international airport, have once again brought to light the dark face of the growing drug mafia in the capital. These are the latest examples of how insecure the capital city, which prides itself on being clean and tranquil, is. For some time now, gangs and drug mafias have been rampant here. The police and excise have a good understanding of the drug trade and the gangs behind it. Occasionally many are caught. But law enforcement is unable to eliminate the threat they pose. Its tragedy is felt by the city dwellers who have no part in it. Drug trafficking is rampant across the state, regardless of city or village.

The police concluded that the murder of the Uber driver was a revenge for leaking information about drug trafficking to the police. The two arrested youths were involved in drug trafficking and drug business. There are other cases against them in connection with drug trafficking. The body of the murdered driver sustained more than 60 injuries. There were numerous stab wounds all over his face. The accused must have been so addicted to alcohol that they wanted to kill the person brutally and viciously.

The attack on the North Indian couple also underscores the influence of anti-social forces rooted in the city. Their wilful attitude is evident from their shameless boldness to go home and threaten even after the attack. Even if they are caught, there will be people to bail them out soon.

The rulers do not realize the fact that the indefinite closure of liquor stores after creating the conditions for alcoholism has led to an increase in the illicit trade in all drugs. The secret drug trade has grown exponentially. Many people realize the danger when the activities of the drug mafia reach the level of threatening the society that wants a peaceful life. The current underworld activities of the drug mafia have outgrown the existing police-excise system. It’s time to think about an effective system.

Large quantities of cannabis from neighboring states are smuggled into the state. Large networks are working for this. Groups may have set their own boundaries. When it is trespassed, hatred, betrayal, confrontation and even murder take place. Locals are also victims of mafia attacks for reporting the drug trade to the police. So many people are ready to turn a blind eye even if they see it in front of their eyes. The life of himself and his family is great for everyone.