Hyderabad: The stringent laws against illegal sale of banned substances like ganja and other drugs are not serving as effective deterrents as their enforcement is failing to protect the city from drug-influenced crimes such as murders, burglaries and rapes. Despite numerous crackdowns, offenders are taking advantage of the legal loopholes and bails that exist.
In a recent incident, a 21-year-old from Dundigal, high on drugs, stabbed his friend, cut open his stomach and fled from the scene. In another incident, a group of young individuals vandalized a shop after being asked to smoke elsewhere.
Statistics show that 78 per cent of crimes in the area involved individuals under the influence of drugs and other banned substances.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, social activist Vinay Vangala said, "There is a need for more intense patrolling. Recently, I saw many young people sitting in the middle of the road and smoking ganja. The civil society has to get involved as police alone cannot handle everything. We are ready to extend help and conduct counselling sessions for families.”
Dr Are Anitha, a clinical psychologist, explained, "The main reasons for drug addiction are low self-esteem, peer pressure and financial problems. People who can't handle problems take drugs. They feel very powerful and may behave outrageously, when under such influences. They commit crimes like murder, rape, or burglary because they've lost their sense of reality. The next day, when you talk to the same person, you will be stunned by their natural behaviour."
Tthe success rate of drug rehabilitation is just about four per cent. Despite rehabilitating 300 addicts so far, only about 12 people have successfully chosen to lead a normal life again. The chances of relapse are significant, she explained.
Meanwhile, K. Narsing Rao, DCP, told Deccan Chronicle, "We have apprehended small-time peddlers and consumers in order to establish links with major suppliers. Recently, we arrested a notorious kingpin named Standly.”
High Court advocate P. Arun suggested that “In order to effectively reduce the crime rate associated with drug abuse, we must focus on arresting the consumers, the addicts. If the drug users are held accountable and face arrest, we can create a stronger deterrent and disrupt the cycle of crime fuelled by drug addiction. It's not always about targeting suppliers, the demand side is equally important for making our cities safer.”
