Shivamogga: By trapping an addict in a vicious cycle of use and disuse, drug abuse causes serious physical, emotional and social problems, said Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) M Muthuraj.
He was speaking to the police personnel at the inauguration of the one-day workshop on control of drug menace by Regional Resource and Training Centre in association with the Shivamogga police department at the DAR Hall on Wednesday, July 25.
Under the influence of the psychoactive drug, ganja (cannabis), many commit crimes. Prolonged drug abuse has debilitating effects on the nervous system and thereby affecting the mental ability of the addicted individuals, the ASP said.
Muthuraj said that police have a larger role in controlling drug menace. “Reforming an addict is very difficult. So, the police personnel should make honest efforts to prevent the supply of drugs like ganja and afeem (opium) to the general public. We need to create awareness and give timely advice at the grassroots levels about the harmfulness of drugs,” he added.
Shivamogga district was once notorious for growing ganja. Due to the continued efforts of the police, he said the instances had reduced. The drug smugglers and their agents try to trap innocent farmers into growing ganja by supplying seeds. As the department has noticed people growing ganja in the forest areas, it is using drones and other technology to keep an eye, the ASP said. “The department is also raising awareness among farmers to stop the cultivation of ganja,” Muthuraj added.
