Islamabad, Mar 12: The number of drug addicts in this South Kashmir district is increasing manifold with every passing day and the law enforcement agencies are just mute spectators to the growing menace.
 Police sources say the chemists allegedly supply drugs to 55 per cent of the addicts followed by drug peddlers and others.
 “There are several chemists on Sarnal- Kadipora, Mattan, Janglat Mandi and Sherpora Road who supply drugs ranging from sedatives and hypnotics to opiods to the youth without prescription,” sources said.
 The residents in these areas told Greater Kashmir there were many unlicensed chemists, but the authorities were not taking action against them.
 “Most youth in our locality are taking these drugs as an unlicensed chemist shops is supplying anti-tussive drugs like Tosex and opiod anti-spasm drugs to them,” the Brakpora residents said adding that though the accused was arrested once, but was set free immediately.
 Village level committee member in Brakpora said, “The menace is spreading at fast rate and the unfortunate part is that girls too are becoming addicts.”
 The residents allege that police had failed to act against the drug dealers. “Police are in know how about the persons involved in trade, but till date no action has been taken against them,” Zahoor Ahmad said adding the Imams of local Masjids were also asked to aware masses about the menace.
 Some restaurants in the town also allegedly supply drugs and illicit liquor to the people. “After receiving complaints about these restaurants, police closed down one of the restaurant’s for few days, but it was re-opened shortly,” alleged the residents.
 The crime rate has also shown an upward trend due to the drug addiction. Residents say the burglaries in the town have increased. “Most drug addicts are involved in household thefts in Botengoo, Khanabal and K.P road,” they said adding that most were caught red handed by the locals.  
 When contacted Senior Superintendent of Police, Islamabad, Showkat Ahmad Malik, admitted the spread of drug menace and said, “The drugs addiction has reached to such an extent that I fear it will wipe out our youngsters. But since there is a legal issue involved in it so we have not yet been able to act against the offenders. If the drug and cosmetic act which is a non-cognizable offence is amended it can go a long way in controlling this menace”.
 Terming it as a social issue, Malik emphasized the role of the society including parents, teachers and religious heads in curbing the menace. He also assured organizing of awareness camps in schools and colleges.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:00:00 IST