The challenge of containing drug abuse by 2008

It is not easy to reduce the supply and demand of drugs substantially since it is a global problem. More than 200 million people abuse drugs worldwide . Drug use is responsible for lost wages, soaring health-care costs, broken families and deteriorating communities . There is a direct link between drugs and an increase in crime and violence . Drug cartels undermine governments and corrupt legitimate businesses. Illicit trafficking of drugs result in money laundering . Laundering dirty drug money through international financial system prompted different nations to be deterrent against drug abuse . Bangladesh is no exception to the same.

Bangladesh government has enacted the necessary laws and rules to encounter drug trafficking and drug trades namely Narcotic Control Act 1990 with the penalty of death to the offenders.. Narcotic Control Rules, 1999 was framed to introduce the licensing system to control illicit drugs and precursor chemicals. Narcotic Control [Amendments] Act , 2000 incorporating the relevant provisions of the UN Drug Convention of 1988 and limiting the time period for investigation of drug cases; and Narcotic Control [Amendment ] Act 2004 redefining 'alcohol' were also adopted. Bangladesh is the signatory to three UN Conventions to control the production and supply of narcotics and psychotropic substances.

The import of opium was banned in 1984 and production of cannabis [ganja] in Noagaon district and elsewhere was stopped in 1987. Besides, restrictions were imposed on at least 22 types of chemicals used for the production of narcotic drugs . In reality, Bangladesh is situated near the golden triangle areas of Myanmar , Thailand , Laos and also connected with poppy producing golden crescent areas of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. It was, therefore, felt imperative to conclude bilateral treaties with Myanmar in 1994, Iran in 1995 and India in 2006. The major objectives of these treaties were to ensure that Bangladesh should in no way be used as route of international drug trafficking.

In spite of all these measures, it was not possible to reduce the trafficking of drugs in Bangladesh substantially . Almost 73.29 Kg of Heroin, 37,500 Kg of Opium, 9,000 Kg of Cannabis were recovered in the country while trafficking or marketing. About 7,600 criminal cases were instituted and 8,450 persons were prosecuted for their involvement with illicit trafficking. The number of users has also increased. More than 1.12 lakh drug addicted patients were given treatment and rehabilitated in normal life. From the trend of increased number of addicts, it becomes hard to believe that major gains could be achieved by 2008.

All measures taken so far could not make major headway in reducing the demand of drugs in the country. The more the demand, larger the supply, greater the trafficking. Thus, the best answer to control the drug trafficking is the reduction of demand of drug.

Mr. Kofi Annan, Secretary General of UN emphasised in his message,"Too many people in the world are badly informed about the potentially devastating effects of drugs. That is why we need to work for better education and greater awareness to prevent drug abuse . We need more consistent leadership from governments”.

There should be comprehensive guiding principles to reduce the demand for drugs. The result oriented strategy for reduction of drug and achievement of target by 2008 should comprise diversified initiatives of which behaviour change communication programmes are major interventions. There should be massive campaign to spread the understanding that use of drug is illegal because drugs cause health and mental problems. Repeated use of drug generates addiction which can spell misery for users and when taken intravenously, it can spread deadly disease like HIV/AIDS. Adequate information and education can change the behaviour of users and prevent them from drug addiction.

The participation of civil society organisations, community leaders, parents is vital to promote social integration of drug abusing offenders. The role of media to enhance the understanding of the consequences of drug abuse is crucial to establish a drug-free society . Electronic and print media , posters , leaflets , interpersonal communications are very useful and effective to generate awareness for the prevention of drug abuse .

Bangladesh is an attractive transshipment point for Asian heroin destined for international market. Bangladesh has a long and porous border and existance of cross-border smuggling. The availability of international air and sea links, combined with a modest detection and interdiction capability, creates the potential for large scale trafficking activities. There are reports of transshipment of acetic anhydride[AA] from India to mobile heroin laboratories along the border areas inside Myanmar.

During the last 15 years since the promulgation of Narcotics Control Act in Bangladesh, substantial investments have been made in this sector. Lots of improvement have been made in communication, enforcement, preventive education and treatment and rehabilitation. But that is not enough. The days ahead are more critical that necessitate more attention and resource mobilisation to save the youth from the scourge of drug abuse. The deteriorating law and order situation also encourages drug addiction. The initiatives to combat the drug abuse should be visible and transparent.

The consideration of drug abuse problem as a simple matter of law and order and policing is unfortunate. It is a big challenge for the nation to eliminate the trafficking of heroin, charash, opium, phensidyl, pathedine or other psychotropic substances like methampheta-mines and precursor chemicals like acetic anhydride. Political commitment supported by the social resistance and enforcement might result in achievement of the target. The reduction of domestic demand through preventive education programmes and active participation of people at large is crying need of the hour. The year 2008 is not far away, our commitment to the comity of nations is irrevocable and the responsibility to the citizens is absolute.

Dhiraj Kumar Nath is a former Secretary.