The Gujarat Government has declared a war against drugs even as the state has been witnessing increasing drug seizures over the last couple of years. Notwithstanding the Opposition’s allegations, the government has said that it has undertaken several initiatives to curb the spread of drug usage and trading.
The Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi said on June 24 that the war against drugs includes arresting the peddlers and educating the youth about the flip side of the menace.
He told media persons that this fight is between us (humans) and demons. He emphasized the need to stop drug usage.
“Ye jung manavo aur danavo ke beech hai (This fight is between Humans and Demons). Western countries have surrendered against the drug menace, we did not. People have accepted this as a fashion statement, which is very wrong.” he said.
Sanghavi took a jibe at the Opposition for questioning the amount of drugs confiscated. “I have suggested the Anti-Terrorist Squad to kindly accommodate some space on their boats for such people while on operation. They should know how difficult it is to carry out such risky operations,” he said.
“You question the state police for your own political mileage. You question police for confiscating huge quantities of drugs instead of applauding them for their hard work and dedication,” he added.
He further emphasised the alertness and promptness with which the state government is providing all possible help to police personnel.
“Our government is stern and clear on this issue. We will not let drugs ruin our state just like some other states. CM Bhupendra Patel has always stressed the drugs issue from the first-ever cabinet meeting. We have had over 15 high-level meetings on the same matter. We focus on police sensitization and drug reward policy,” Sanghavi said.
Speaking on the campaign, Director-General of Police, Vikas Sahay, said, “We are very disciplined on this matter. We do detailed and comprehensive operations (which last for months). We are committed to stopping this drug menace. We are going to educate youth through marathons, campaigns, etc in schools, colleges and other educational institutions.”
Sahay also highlighted the fact that most of drug-trading happens on the darknet. “Payments are completed in cryptocurrency. People are ordering products and trading illegally. We have found drugs in toys, sanitary pads, etc. We have increased our surveillance and gather as much input as possible.”
More than 9,760.65 kg of drugs worth Rs 480.10 crore have been seized so far this year. Drugs weighing 23,499.440 kg and valued at Rs 1,514.80 were confiscated in 2023. The year 2022 saw a spike in drug seizures, with over 32,000 kg of drugs valued at Rs 5,338.81 seized.
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