Over 70,000 report to de-addiction centres in Punjab

Chandigarh, June 29 (IANS) Over 70,000 drug addicts have reported at government drug de-addiction centres across Punjab, following the recent crackdown on the drugs supply chain in the state, police said Sunday.

A police spokesman said the crackdown has led to the drug supply network being broken. He claimed that the availability of drugs has reduced to nil in recent days.

"After the crackdown to completely break the supply line to the consumers, there is no availability of drugs on the streets. As a result, former consumers are going to de-addiction centres for treatment. Till June 28, more than 70,000 former drug consumers availed of the free de-addiction facilities provided by the government," he said.

"About 18,000 such former consumers have been motivated, mobilised and sent to the de-addiction centres by Punjab Police officers who are touring every village for this purpose," he said.

Police will launch a campaign for rehabilitation of the former addicts from July 5.

"Gazetted officers have been deputed to visit every village and, in consultation with the village panchayats and elders, work out proper a rehabilitation programme at the grassroots level which would include exercise, sports and other activities to keep them occupied so that they do not attempt any relapse. Non-availability of intoxicants in the streets shall be ensured," the spokesman said.

Drug abuse is rampant in Punjab's rural areas as well as in some towns and cities, surveys done in recent years have indicated.