LEH A major anti-drug drive in Ladakh has uncovered alarming involvement of local youth, including juveniles and underage girls, in drug consumption and sale, raising serious concern among authorities, officials said on Wednesday.
On the directions of Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena, the recently constituted Anti-Narcotics Task Force arrested several drug consumers and peddlers and seized 1.5 kg of charas during the first week of its operations, revealing a growing trend of young addicts turning to drug trafficking to finance their addiction, officials said.
This development assumes greater importance in the wake of 298 new cases of drug abuse in Ladakh in recent months, they said.
Through targeted operations, the task force has uncovered the alarming involvement of local youth, including juveniles and girls, in drug consumption, who also double as drug dealers, officials said.
They said investigations revealed that many young consumers also work as street vendors to finance their addiction.
Officials said the participation of youth, including juveniles and underage girls, has become a matter of serious concern, underscoring the need for intensive awareness campaigns, preventive interventions and community engagement.
They said the swift action taken by the newly formed ANTF reflects the Governor’s firm commitment to combating the growing threat of drug abuse and trafficking in the region through focused enforcement, intelligence-led operations and community engagement.
The investigations also pointed to links between the countries, suggesting that supply chains extend beyond Ladakh, officials said.
Moreover, officials said the cases of intravenous drug use highlighted the potential risks of infectious diseases, making the issue not only a law and order concern but also a public health challenge.
During his recent interaction with religious organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders, the governor directed strict action against drug peddlers and users and called for the dismantling of the entire drug supply chain operating in the region.
“The Ladakh administration has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards drug abuse and trafficking. ANTF’s early success demonstrates our resolve to identify and dismantle the supply chain of narcotic substances and protect our youth from this threat.
“Drug abuse poses a serious threat to the social fabric of society and we will continue to take strict action against those involved in trafficking while simultaneously strengthening awareness, prevention and rehabilitation efforts. Our goal is to ensure a safe, healthy and drug-free Ladakh,” Saxena said.
The Governor also appealed to citizens, parents, educational institutions, religious leaders and civil society organizations to provide effective support to the UT Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan by sharing information, creating awareness and helping vulnerable youth to stay away from narcotic substances.
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