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Scary situation



The Himalayan Times
28 June 2013
Scary situation

Looking closely at the increasing number of drug users in the country as publicized by the Home Ministry on the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking “Statistics paint scary picture of drug use” (THT, 27, June 2013, Page 2), one can only say that such a large scale of drug abuse is really nerve-racking. According to the data, the percentage of drug use among the young people varies from one group of users to anther. The unemployed people tops the list standing at almost 50 percent, employed people at 29 percent and students especially of 6-10 grade, SLC appeared and Plus Two students at 21 percent. There has been tremendous increase in the number of drug users (current number 91543) against the official data in 2008 (46309).  



The actual number could be much higher if in-depth survey had been done. I am not so sure whether there has been any thorough study done by any INGO/NGOs. However, the official data clearly indicates that the number of drug addicts in the country is increasing at an alarming rate despite of police crackdown on drug traffickers. There could be several factors that might be contributing to the increase in the numbers of those who indulge in substance. abuse Among them could be extreme poverty, stress, family disputes, curiosity and failure in studies. Unless the root causes are identified and properly addressed, the number of drug abusers in the country will continue to increase in the coming days.



Most of the petty crimes in the country are found to be related to drug and alcohol addiction as cited in the news report. Such crimes disturb the peace and harmony in the family and community that could ultimately sooner or later affect the entire nation. For this, the government and concerned authorities need to be serious in implementing strict measures against the organised drug trafficking. The police needs to be more vigilant in tracking down the culprits and appropriately punishing them in order to discourage others from such anti-social activities.

Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj, Kathmandu

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