The Director General of Police, Shankar Jiwal, has refuted charges of widespread drug use in Tamil Nadu, stating studies based on scientific evidence establish the fact that Tamil Nadu has the lowest rates of drug abuse in India.
DGP referred to a study by the Union government, Magnitude of Substance Abuse in India, as saying that Tamil Nadu is among the safest States as far as the use of drugs is concerned. Jiwal underlined that ‘the data makes it amply clear that Tamil Nadu has minimum drug prevalence’.
“While there are claims that drug use is rampant in Tamil Nadu. Analysis of available data reveals that Tamil Nadu has the least drug abuse,” Jiwal said in the press release.
As far as ganja (marijuana) use was concerned, the national ranking of Tamil Nadu was 35th. With only 0.1 percent of its population using it, which is way below the average in the country of 1.2 percent. In the case of opioids, the state records 0.26 percent, a little above the national average of 1.08 percent, securing its 35th position.
In August 2024, police detected 641 cases related to drugs. The DGP said that authorities seized 1,965 kg of ganja, 10,634 tablets, and 35.5 kg of other drugs.
Jiwal further emphasized that Tamil Nadu maintains its “zero cultivation” status for ganja, meaning no ganja is grown in the state. Police are also taking strict measures against offenders involved in drug trafficking.
In 2022, 645 notorious drug offenders were detained under the Goondas Act 14 of 1982. The number decreased to 504 in 2023, with 533 offenders detained up to August 2024. Besides, the police seized 1,507 vehicles in 2022 1,404 in 2023, and 1,003 up to August 2024. Vehicles used in transporting narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
Besides arrests and seizures, police have also been laying emphasis on financial investigations. Keeping tabs on recidivists, and running awareness programs. The state government has also held State Level Narco Coordination committee meetings. In a bid to firm up its fight against drugs.
The DGP explained that the government is actively fighting narcotic trafficking and the illegal sale of drugs. Both through enforcement and awareness programs. Due to these initiatives, the state has continued to maintain its “Zero Cultivation” status for ganja.
ANI