STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Consumption of drugs was earlier confined to the rich but widespread consumerism and a desire to relate to the rich has made drugs a commodity of desire among the middle class too.
The above statement was made by a reformed addict who now runs a rehabilitation centre in the city. He was responding to queries of this reporter regarding reasons behind rising drug menace in Assam.
Substance abuse has become a major cause of concern among the youths all over Assam and the alarming rate at which it is escalating has raised red flags. Drug addicts and peddlers have found ways to continue rampantly right under the noses of authorities in spite of the efforts put up to curb this addiction that is slowly destroying nations.
The drug menace has reached such a pass that a recent meeting of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) — a common platform of non-Congress political parties — officially adopted a resolution to initiate various steps to save younger generation from drug abuse. The meeting was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
In the Assam’s capital city, the business of drugs glutting the markets has seen a sudden rise since the past few years. Under numerous investigations, various arrests have also been made. In 2017, a massive drug den was unearthed at SK Bhuyan Path, Ambari. In 2018, as many as 83 cases were registered under the NDPS Act as a sum total of the police stations in the city, where drugs worth Rs 1,49,08,908 were seized. These included cannabis, Brown Sugar, Heroin, Opium, etc. However, of the total amount, Rs 64,69,750 included of cannabis (ganja) only.
In the current year (2019), 51 kg of intoxicating substances were seized in January itself and till April, 150 substance abusers and drug pushers were arrested.
Sources in the Assam Police said even though the State does not have a set drug network, there are reasons to be seriously worried due to the trend of addicts turning into peddlers.
Explaining the modus operandi, sources said the drugs suppliers are from the neighbouring States and they target people to get them addicted to drugs. “However, a student or a middle class person cannot drug addiction for too long as the prices are prohibitive. The suppliers then ask the addicts to sell 10 or 12 pouches and get their quota for free,” the source said.
These addicts come to a point when they cannot get the money to buy the drugs. Hence they easily fall for the offer to peddle the substance in return for their daily fix.
On other hand, there is a steady rise in female addicts in Assam as well as the North East. With the growing number of female addicts, the rehabilitation centres are now opening separate counseling for ladies.
Due to the proximity of the North Eastern region to the Golden Triangle – the tri-junction of Myanmar, Thailand and Laos – it is one of the worst-affected areas. The geographical location and accessibility to drugs plays a crucial role with Assam being a transit point and the gateway to other NE States.
Those running rehabilitation centres said the State Government must take initiatives to keep a check on the consumption level of drugs and alcohol. “But the reverse is happening. Instead of reducing the consumption level the government is now targeting to earn major amount of the State’s revenue by selling Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL),” Amitabh Dutta, a senior citizen of the city said.
Dutta said it is high time for everyone in the society to wake up and spread massive awareness as well actions against drug abuse to save the future generation.