Ganderbal, June 15: Joint Drugs Controller Kashmir Irfana Ahmad on Thursday said that seven to eight lakh people are involved in drug addiction.
Quoting the department’s survey, Irfana said, “Around 7 to 8 lakh people are currently involved in drug addiction which is a matter of concern. If this curse is not stopped immediately, the next 20 years will not spare us as it the menace will destroy the new generation.”
She made the revelations while addressing an awareness programme under Nasha Mukt Bharat organised by the Drugs and Food Control Organisation Ganderbal in collaboration With Manasbal Development Authority and Ganderbal Chemists and Distributors Association (GCDA) in which the chemists and distributors’ associations also participated.
Irfana said the goal of the department is to make Jammu and Kashmir a drug-free zone for which it needs the cooperation of the people, including pharmacy affiliates.
The chemists and distributors were sensitised about the importance of CCTV installation, computerised billing system and good pharmacy practice. In her speech, she informed the chemists about the negative consequences of the non-maintenance of proper records.
The officer said the department had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against “nefarious elements”.
Meanwhile, Shah Nighat Jabeen, while addressing the occasion said the government had initiated proactive measures by setting up a district-level monitoring committee under NCO to eliminate the threat and rehabilitate the youth affected.
Surinder Mohan from Deputy Drug Controller Headquarters spoke about the social evil and directed all the chemists and distributors that in order to spread awareness about the ill effects of drugs, there is a need to work together so that the menace can be eliminated from society.
President (GDCA) Ganderbal Sheikh Ishtiyaq Qadri thanked the dignitaries for holding such an awareness programme in the district and assured them of full cooperation in future events.
