The drugs menace

The Government's Mathata Thitha (Full Stop to Liquor and Drugs) has been largely successful and there is a downward trend in the consumption of these intoxicating substances. This augurs well for the country and its people because it could minimise the health cost associated with this phenomenon and also lead to a society that respects moral values.

There are two types of substance abuse. There are legal and illegal substances. Alcohol is sold through legally permitted liquor outlets and tobacco, the only legal 'drug' in the strict sense of the word, is available for those aged 21 and over. These sales are regulated and taxed by the State, so that it can recover at least part of the massive health cost.

However, we know that there is a roaring trade in illegal alcohol and drugs, which is a far more dangerous situation. The Kasippu (moonshine) trade shows no sign of slowing down while banned drugs and narcotics such as heroin are also available to those who seek them.

Another alarming trend is the abuse of legally available medicinal formulations. It was reported recently that many students in Gampaha had been taking a certain brand of painkiller in large quantities. According to Police, the students were using the painkiller as a 'drug' to 'get high' in addicts' parlance.

Sometime back, it was found that students were buying a certain cough syrup, available off the counter at any pharmacy, for the same purpose. The authorities stepped in swiftly and ruled that the said brand could not be sold without a prescription to adults and minors. The health and law enforcement authorities should investigate the latest incident and if possible and practical, classify the relevant painkillers as 'prescription-only'. In any case, pharmacists countrywide must be empowered not to sell the substance(s) to minors. Such concrete steps are necessary to stop this latest menace.

Police have found that substance abuse is rather common among schoolchildren even in rural areas. This is indeed an alarming situation as it was confined to urban areas earlier. The worrying factor is the easy availability of these legal and illegal substances around schools although they may not be sold openly. Unfortunately, the students seem to know where to look for these substances.

Parents and teachers have a major role to play in educating schoolchildren on the evils of drugs. Simply checking the bags and pockets, as is done in some schools and by some parents, is not enough. Prevention, they say, is better than cure. The same principle applies to drug and alcohol abuse.

It would be ideal if the school curricula include a formal session on banned substances and drugs, to give children an idea about the dangers associated with their abuse. A closer relationship between children and parents at home and a healthy dialogue about their school activities can also go a long way towards keeping children off drugs. Education can be a major tool in veering the younger generation away from alcohol and substance abuse. The education authorities should look into this aspect without delay to save them from a descent into a moral abyss. Places of worship and Dhamma Schools too can help this endeavour.

Having said that, one cannot underestimate the role of law enforcement in the whole exercise. The fact that illegal drugs are in circulation exposes a lacuna in law enforcement in this regard. While the new Acts passed in Parliament on alcohol and tobacco use have been very effective, there is still room for improvement. Many commentators have pointed out that police personnel lower down the pecking order could be 'in the know' about the activities of illicit liquor brewers and small-time drug dealers. No room should be left for such accusations. It is also no secret that some illicit brewers and drug dealers enjoy the patronage of powerful persons in society. Again, stern action should be taken in such situations.

Law enforcement authorities are often accused of going only after the 'small fry' when it comes to drug smuggling and sales. While it is essential to track down the small-time kasippu sellers and street peddlers of narcotics, it is even better to apprehend the 'big guns' behind the whole business regardless of their standing in society or their 'connections'. It is only when these dealers are apprehended and exposed that we could think of an end to this vexed problem.

It goes without saying that the authorities should empower and strengthen the three arms of the State that crack down on alcohol and narcotics - the Excise Department, Police/Police Narcotics Bureau and the Sri Lanka Customs. The latter's role, often unappreciated and underestimated, is essential. It has to keep illegal drugs and contraband away from our shores. Any impediments that hinder their work must be addressed.

It is vital that these three institutions are given more personnel and more powers where necessary to discharge their duties, which sometimes carry a great risk. Any outdated laws related to alcohol/narcotics offences should be amended without delay. The Government should also focus enhancing the scope of secondary institutions that deal with the drugs menace, such as the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board.

Both the State and private media (print and electronic) must be involved in a more a pro-active anti-alcohol and anti-drugs campaign targeted especially at the younger generation, in collaboration with these institutions. A poster campaign targeting schools should also be considered. This is important because there is a notion that tobacco and liquor producers could be looking towards younger people to prop up their falling sales.

If the recent detections are any indication, alcohol and illegal drugs as well as the abuse of legally available substances (pharmaceuticals) have the potential to destroy our younger generation. This should not be allowed to happen. The country needs a well-thought out strategy to beat the drugs menace.

The Mathata Thitha is a good start and the authorities should ponder on the additional steps that need to be taken to stamp out this cancer from our midst.