In a rigorous operation against drug peddlers and drug trafficking in the UT, fourty five persons were arrested by the police and booked under Public Safety Act (PSA) in Baramulla and Kupwara Districts of North Kashmir. Police also seized drugs worth 65 crores from the possession of drug peddlers. While drug peddling is one side of this ominous coin, the other side which is drug abuse is equally dolorous. To counter the threats posed by drug and substance abuse, different sections of the society as well as institutions need to come forward. Police and other concerned authorities have been proactive in nabbing the peddlers on first information. In addition several drug abuse awareness camps have been held by different agencies and institutions from time to time. Despite all these efforts and exercises to cut stop the growing tentacles of drug abuse in the UT, we must introspect and see if it is enough. Drug and substance abuse is not a problem restricted to an individual only. Many medical experts are of the opinion that the psychosocial impact of drug abuse is not only on the individual but on the family and society. Therefore more holistic approaches are needed to win the war against illicit use of drugs and substances; approaches that would cut through across all the sections of the society. For example, education institutions like schools and colleges can provide a helping hand by spreading awareness about the drug abuse impacts. Social welfare department and medical institutes must increase the frequency of counseling and awareness programs. Police and Crime Branch must take strong action and bust the peddlers wherever they are and also provide their support as they have. There has been a demand for increasing drug de-addition centres in the UT. If it is not possible to have de-addiction centers in all sub-district hospitals, at least in district hospitals there should be space and provisions for such centers. The government must ensure a tight vigil on the sale of prescription drugs (that are likely to be abused) on the counters. Both possession and procurement of drugs for illicit use must be dealt with sternly. License of pharma stores who are found selling the drugs for such uses must be instantly annulled. As the problem is not restricted to an individual or family, but the society, both government and people of the UT must share the responsibility at their respective positions. Fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking is a social obligation of all the stakeholders in the entire UT and a collective cause can be the best preventive medicine to treat this disease.
