A bandwagon of schemes was implemented to curb drug usage in the state. Did it yield any results? The answer is well evident from the new year Thrissur melee that took the life of a youngster. The drug trade, which used to be furtive is taking place these days in all public glare. If someone dared to question this, the addicts would not even hesitate to commit murder. Drug use among teenagers is spreading like wildfire.

Alcohol and other forms of intoxicants are becoming indispensable in social gatherings. Many teens have adopted a new theme of life; to do drugs, spend time in musical trance, pick up fights and turn nightmare for their parents. There is an increase in the number of families in the state who are facing the misfortune of having to live with their children who are addicted to drugs. The drug mafia has elaborate systems to covertly deliver drugs with teenagers now acting as suppliers. The chain has even extended to popular schools in the state.

17,399 people sought treatment at de-addiction centres run under the Excise Department. This is only a small percentage of drug addicts. People reaching other private institutions for help are two-fold of these numbers. The number of people caught in cases related to drug use is also increasing. Until a few days ago, most of the arrests were related to the trafficking of minor substances including cannabis. Now the situation has changed. Synthetic Drugs are the talk of the town. These are convenient to smuggle without suspicion. Easy to transfer. There is without any doubt, involvement of a big cabal in all this drug trade alarming the state. A few people, including the MLA's son, were accused in the ganja smuggling case only a few days ago. Many cases are registered but little we know about the updates of the case of the fate of the culprits involved.

The age of the accused in the murder of a youngster at Thekkinkadu Maidanam is just 14 and 16. This shows the extent of drug use among children in schools. The victim, a 30-year-old youngster only questioned the brazen act of doing drugs in public. Little words were exchanged but the 14-year-old boy waited no time to pierce a knife into the youngster’s chest, killing him instantly.

The police officer who caught the MLA's son has been transferred now. A punishment indeed. The terrible menace of drug addiction needs to be wiped out from the state, but taking note of the current work from the government, the menace is about to get worse.