Former state convener of Himachal Nasha Nivaran Board –cum advisor to state government, O P Sharma has urged the state government to implement the report submitted by the board for checking the drug menace in the state, in its letter and spirit.
Talking to media persons at Mandi on Tuesday, Sharma said , “ Though the illegal smuggling of narcotic drugs in the state is now being carried by big sharks, only small fish are being caught by the state police, when it is important to trace the primary source to reach the kingpin.”
Sharma, who has also been consultant on narcotic drugs to United Nation, said , “the illicit trade in narcotic drugs which was just about 2 percent twenty years ago has now multiplied to roughly 40 percent; five to six big networks are active in the trade in the state and peddlers are targeting young people .”
He said , “ To check the drug menace the state government should conduct an authentic survey, strengthen ANTF, deploy committed investigating officers and launch a concerted campaign by involving specialists, besides involving the public as everyone will have to work together to check the drug menace .”
Sharma also urged the state government to revive Nasha Nivaran helpline and improve the condition of Nasha Nivaran Kendra Mandi.
In reply to a question he said, “Before legalizing cultivation of cannabis in the state the government should thoroughly discuss pros and cons as several international smugglers are also cultivating it illegally in remote areas of the state”.