Drug abuse on rise, will have huge consequences: HC

Drug abuse on rise, will have huge consequences: HC

Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II –  Health; Policies and interventions

In news The Delhi High Court has observed that the menace of drug abuse was on the rise in the country.

• It’s consequences can be experienced across the board from causing economic issues to societal disintegration.
• The harmful effects of drugs on an individual and on society have been researched extensively 
• The purpose of enacting the NDPS [Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances] Act was to curb this menace.
• An NCB team had recently intercepted a person of Nepali nationality who was caught with 475 g of charas.

What is Narcotics Control Bureau?

• It was constituted by the Government of India in 1986 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
• It is the apex coordinating agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances is based on Article 47 of the Indian Constitution which directs the State to endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption, except for medicinal purposes, of intoxicating drugs injurious to health.
• Drug abuse control is the responsibility of the central government.
• Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985
• It provides for the penalty of property derived from or used in illegal traffic in narcotic drugs.
• The Act made an express provision for constituting a Central Authority for the purpose of exercising the powers and functions of the Central Government under the Act.

News source: TH