Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi criticises DMK-led state government’s inaction to combat the drug menace

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has strongly criticised the state government for its perceived lack of serious measures to combat the growing drug problem in the state. Speaking at a drug abuse prevention event organised by the Voice of Tenkasi Foundation, Rotary Club of Rajapalayam Kings City, and other voluntary organisations, Governor Ravi expressed concern over the government’s failure to tackle the rising drug menace. He particularly pointed out the police’s focus on seizing ganja while failing to address more dangerous synthetic narcotics, which pose a greater threat to the youth.

Governor’s Concerns Over Drug Menace
In his address, Governor Ravi did not hold back in criticizing the Tamil Nadu police’s handling of the drug situation, warning that the state could face disaster if stricter measures are not implemented. According to the Governor, Tamil Nadu’s law enforcement seems only to target ganja, neglecting the more dangerous and addictive synthetic drugs, including heroin, hashish, opium, and methamphetamine.

He highlighted the widespread availability of synthetic drugs among the youth, particularly students in schools and colleges. Governor Ravi pointed out that drug consumption is not merely a personal issue but has a devastating effect on entire families and, ultimately, society as a whole. “Drugs spoil a person’s nervous system and also affect his or her entire family. Society would be at a loss,” he warned.

A Call for Collective Effort
Governor Ravi emphasized that the fight against drugs cannot be waged by the government alone and urged for a collective effort from society. He called for a mass movement to eradicate the drug menace, similar to successful efforts in other parts of the country. “The government cannot do it alone. It has to be a collective, sustained effort involving parents, communities, and institutions,” he said.

During his speech, the Governor recalled the destruction that drugs have brought to the state of Punjab, once one of India’s most prosperous states. Within three decades, rampant drug abuse has left Punjab struggling to overcome its drug culture. Ravi urged Tamil Nadu to take this as a warning and to act swiftly before it’s too late.

Governor’s Concern About Synthetic Drugs
While Tamil Nadu’s police force frequently seizes tons of ganja, Governor Ravi raised an alarming question about the absence of action against synthetic and chemical drugs. He pointed out that while central agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), have successfully seized large quantities of these dangerous substances across the state’s land, sea, and airports, the state’s enforcement agencies have not been able to seize even a single gram.

“How come central agencies are able to seize hundreds of kilograms of synthetic and chemical drugs, whereas our state enforcement agencies are not able to seize even one gram?” the Governor asked.

Ravi stressed that synthetic drugs pose a far greater threat to the state’s youth. These substances, he said, are more addictive and have much more devastating consequences than ganja. He urged the Tamil Nadu police to intensify their efforts in curbing not only ganja but also synthetic drugs, which he called a “big threat.”

Narco-Terrorism and External Threats
Governor Ravi also spoke about the broader issue of narco-terrorism, which involves drug trafficking networks funneling money into terrorism. He pointed out that India’s western neighbors are known for pushing drugs into India as part of a strategy to fund terrorist activities. Tamil Nadu, he noted, is increasingly becoming a transit route for these drug cartels, making it imperative for the state to address both the demand and supply sides of the problem.

Governor Ravi expressed concern that Tamil Nadu is transitioning from being a mere transit route for drugs to becoming a drug-consuming society. “Drugs are pushed into India as a transit route by drug cartels, but I think we are now becoming a drug-consuming society,” he said, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Governor’s Appeal to Parents
The Governor urged parents to take a more proactive role in monitoring their children’s behavior, as adolescents are particularly vulnerable to falling prey to drug networks. He stressed that parents must be vigilant and aware of the dangers posed by drugs to protect their children from getting trapped in addiction.

“The adolescent group is an easy target of those in the drug network, and it is the parents’ duty to protect their children,” Governor Ravi said, adding that the government’s efforts alone will not be sufficient to address this widespread issue.

Tamil Nadu Government’s Response
The Governor’s remarks did not sit well with the Tamil Nadu government, with Law Minister S Raghupathy hitting back at Ravi for what he called the “politicization” of the Governor’s office. In a sharp rebuttal, Raghupathy criticized Ravi’s comments, accusing him of undermining the state’s efforts in combating drug trafficking and abuse.

The Law Minister highlighted the state government’s existing anti-drug measures, pointing to the establishment of NIBCID (Narcotics Intelligence Bureau Crime Investigation Department) cells in 15 locations across the state. Additionally, all 1,368 law and order police stations and 100 Prohibition Enforcement Wing (PEW) divisions are empowered to act against drugs, he said. Raghupathy also mentioned the 42 Coastal Security Group police stations equipped with 24 speed boats that monitor Tamil Nadu’s coastal stretch to prevent the smuggling of narcotics.