The yaba menace

THE AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO PUT A LID ON YABA TRADE ONCE THE DRUG ENTERS BANGLADESH

The regular inflow of the menacing drug of yaba into Bangladesh is, perhaps, the biggest danger faced by the society, especially the youth. History is replete with examples of devastation of societies due to unbridled use of narcotics. We are in real danger of losing an entire generation to yaba with its consumption being at a staggering a million pills everyday. We have the codeine based cough syrup phensidyl coming in from India, and we also have to contend with the influx of yaba from Myanmar. Thus, we should immediately take the matter up with our neighbours for cooperative measures to stop the flow of narcotics into the country.

Regrettably, the authorities have been unable to put a lid on yaba trade once the drug enters Bangladesh, largely because of the involvement of powerful individual gangsters and other influential quarters and corrupt members of the law enforcement agencies. And as is well known, the trade of narcotics is often connected with that of illegal small arms, which makes it even more dangerous. The problem related to yaba production and distribution is an international one. It is not merely about pressing upon any one country to take more concrete steps to stop the 50 or so factories on their side of the border. It requires political will right across the South Asian belt to set up a coordinating agency that will include all the narcotics departments in different countries.

A fight against this cheap but hugely addictive and damaging drug also requires strengthening of monitoring as regards our own pharmaceutical industry, which could also be a source for ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Unless something is done to combat the trade in this illicit drug, we will be putting millions, particularly the youth, at risk.

The authorities need to take the matter seriously. Apart from enhanced supervision of the borders it must impose severe punishments on those who are found guilty of being involved with supplying yaba and go after the powerful godfathers behind its trade in particular. What needs to be understood is that the loss of human resources because of this menace is great and if the situation is allowed to continue as it is, then the cost to the country will be immeasurable.

 

The yaba menace

THE AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO PUT A LID ON YABA TRADE ONCE THE DRUG ENTERS BANGLADESH

The regular inflow of the menacing drug of yaba into Bangladesh is, perhaps, the biggest danger faced by the society, especially the youth. History is replete with examples of devastation of societies due to unbridled use of narcotics. We are in real danger of losing an entire generation to yaba with its consumption being at a staggering a million pills everyday. We have the codeine based cough syrup phensidyl coming in from India, and we also have to contend with the influx of yaba from Myanmar. Thus, we should immediately take the matter up with our neighbours for cooperative measures to stop the flow of narcotics into the country. Regrettably, the authorities have been unable to put a lid on yaba trade once the drug enters Bangladesh, largely because of the involvement of powerful individual gangsters and other influential quarters and corrupt members of the law enforcement agencies. And as is well known, the trade of narcotics is often connected with that of illegal small arms, which makes it even more dangerous. The problem related to yaba production and distribution is an international one. It is not merely about pressing upon any one country to take more concrete steps to stop the 50 or so factories on their side of the border. It requires political will right across the South Asian belt to set up a coordinating agency that will include all the narcotics departments in different countries. A fight against this cheap but hugely addictive and damaging drug also requires strengthening of monitoring as regards our own pharmaceutical industry, which could also be a source for ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Unless something is done to combat the trade in this illicit drug, we will be putting millions, particularly the youth, at risk. The authorities need to take the matter seriously. Apart from enhanced supervision of the borders it must impose severe punishments on those who are found guilty of being involved with supplying yaba and go after the powerful godfathers behind its trade in particular. What needs to be understood is that the loss of human resources because of this menace is great and if the situation is allowed to continue as it is, then the cost to the country will be immeasurable.