Jatni: The excise department here has decided to set up a round-the-clock control room during Ganesh Puja to carry out a crackdown on illegal drug business. The 12-day festival is celebrated here with fervour.
The excise officials Tuesday called a meeting of the office-bearers and members of the local traders’ association and sought their cooperation to curb the illegal drug business. The officials requested the office-bearers and members to alert them if they see any persons selling drugs. “The control room will ensure prompt action in case of complaints regarding the illegal trade,” the officials said.
Sources said narcotics like brown sugar, ganja and country liquor are being sold rampantly in Jatni town and nearby villages. Earlier, the illegal trade was confined to town areas only, but in the past couple of months it has spread to rural areas.
The drug traders usually target the young generation. Many youths in village areas under police limits have become addicts due to easy availability of a variety of drugs. The addicts are also reported to have been indulging in various anti-social activities to earn money for drugs.
Senior citizens have expressed concern over the rising drug menace and its impact on the youth. They also alleged the excise and police officials have failed to take any notable steps to curb the illegal trade. “Now we will see to what extent the excise control room will help to crackdown on the illegal drug business,” some locals said.
Post News Network
