The DMK government in Tamil Nadu is facing a double blow as its lax approach to curbing the drug menace comes under scrutiny. A recent survey reveals that 15 percent of drug transactions are being facilitated through mobile apps, adding to the concerns surrounding the issue. Meanwhile, the Madras High Court has strongly criticised the state police for their failure to address the growing problem of intoxicated individuals causing disturbances and committing crimes.
The arrest of Jaffer Sadiq, an international drug peddler and film producer associated with the expelled DMK’s NRI wing, shed light on the extensive network of drug trafficking, which allegedly involves high-ranking contacts within the ruling dispensation. This revelation, accompanied by photographs of Sadiq posing with influential figures, has raised serious questions about the government’s effectiveness in tackling the drug trade. Critics argue that the government’s recent arrests appear to be reactive rather than proactive, aimed at deflecting court admonitions and public scrutiny.
The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court recently reprimanded the state police for their handling of a case involving intoxicated individuals under the influence of ganja (marijuana) assaulting the public while riding their two-wheelers in Madurai. The court has demanded answers regarding the number of cases registered for the sale and smuggling of ganja, the status of final reports filed in courts, and the submission of seized cannabis as evidence.
The Madras High Court has expressed serious concerns regarding the possibility of ganja trafficking flourishing in Tamil Nadu without the involvement of both judiciary and law enforcement officials. The court has questioned the efficacy of efforts to combat ganja sales and smuggling under such circumstances. Consequently, the court has directed relevant authorities, including the Tamil Nadu Home Secretary, Tamil Nadu Police DGP, and Director of Narcotics Control Division, to provide a comprehensive response to their inquiries.
The hearing has been adjourned until May 15, 2024. In light of recent findings from a survey conducted by the criminology department of Madras University, alarming revelations have emerged that should be a cause for concern for all. The survey report, titled “Role of Social Media and Payment and Delivery Applications in Drug Abuse,” highlights the utilisation of delivery apps by drug dealers, smugglers, or peddlers in Chennai to distribute narcotics to their clients.
According to the report, at least 15 percent of drugs are being delivered through these apps, while the majority, 75 percent, still rely on conventional and reliable in-person methods. Additionally, 6 percent of clients reported receiving drugs through regular courier services after making online payments to the dealers. These findings shed light on the evolving nature of the drug trade and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating it effectively. The increasing use of technology, such as delivery apps, has introduced a new dimension to the problem, making it harder for authorities to track and prevent such activities.
A recent report published in the Times of India has highlighted the alarming trend of drug addicts in Tamil Nadu increasingly relying on various social media platforms and digital applications to obtain their favourite narcotics. According to the report, WhatsApp emerged as the most popular platform among addicts, with 77 percent utilising it, followed by Telegram (43 percent), Instagram (35 percent), Snapchat (13 percent), Facebook (13 percent), and other platforms (3 percent). Furthermore, the use of UPI for payment transactions has become the norm, adding to the convenience of these online drug transactions. The report also reveals that drug dealers have adapted to the digital age, utilising the dark web or Tor search engines to make it difficult for authorities to trace their IP addresses. This clandestine approach adds to the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in cracking down on these illegal activities.
The shift towards online drug transactions has proven to be attractive for both dealers and customers, particularly among youths. The online mode offers anonymity and secrecy, eliminating the need for face-to-face interactions and reducing the risk of detection. Moreover, customers are required to make advance payments, as cash on delivery (COD) options are not provided.
Professor M. Srinivasan, head of the criminology department, has expressed serious concerns regarding the potential consequences of this online drug market. He emphasised that the online sale of drugs may lead to a surge in drug abuse among youngsters and school children. Drug abuse has long been a socio-cultural issue in Tamil Nadu, and Professor Srinivasan called for a comprehensive study to assess the prevalence of drug abuse across different age groups, identify the reasons behind it, and determine the sources of these drugs.
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