Handling drug menace
The government should take stringent measures, including stoppage of the sources of the drugs, issuing directives to the law enforcers to remain steadfast to their duties against all odds
A court in Rangpur on Sunday sentenced three drug traders to life term rigorous imprisonment for trafficking contraband phensidyl syrup, according to a report in this newspaper on Monday. Only arresting and punishing peddlers and consumers of narcotic drugs will not do if the godfathers and big traders of drugs are not caught and punished. That the drug barons enjoy immunity is clear from the menace spreading its tentacles in every nook and cranny in the country. If the powerful drug traders are arrested they soon come out and start the business with renewed enthusiasm in exchange for hefty bribes. This is very unfortunate.
Addiction to narcotic drugs is nothing new; it dates back to several centuries.
Ancient kings and barons would take drugs. People from high social positions down to the ones belonging to the lower strata of life take drugs according to their financial abilities. Arrest of drug peddlers makes newspaper headlines very often. Although drug addiction gives temporary physical energy or stimulation it ultimately invites a lot of physical problems. It drains physical and mental strength and plays havoc with peaceful family life.
Drug addiction is responsible for proliferation of criminal activities. It even may lead to murders. What is alarming is that students beginning from college level up to university are seeking solace in drugs. This is a very ominous sign. Complete eradication of drug menace is almost an impossibility but keeping it within limit may be possible. Who knows what kind of blessings the godfathers are enjoying from those having political and other clouts?
The government should take stringent measures, including stoppage of the sources of the drugs, issuing directives to the law enforcers to remain steadfast to their duties against all odds. The porous borders through which drugs enter into the country should be checked strictly. Besides, dens of manufacturing and marketing drugs inside the country should be identified and busted. Massive public awareness should be generated about the disastrous consequences of drugs.
There should be proper arrangement for treatment and rehabilitation of the drug addicts. Drug addicts should not be treated as criminals rather should be treated as the sick ones. More drug rehabilitation centres should be set up through government and private initiatives. It is the responsibility of parents, guardians and relatives to keep a vigil on the activities of their children. Educational and religious institutions and Imams of mosques can also play their respective roles in resisting drug menace.
