NARCOTICS - A PARALLEL ECONOMY

This 1476 crores worth catch must be the highest value single catch in India. The value of the seized goods is more than the annual budget of some of our states a few decades ago. According to the media reports this was resulted from some secret information, possibly by some private source. It cannot be, therefore, considered as the first transaction by the party or this is the only party doing this trade. As per available information only about one third of the incoming containers are examined in details by customs. This may encourage the smugglers to take the risk.

While going through the media reports one is constrained to conclude that the narcotics trade is mounting quite fast. May be for a number of reasons the authorities concerned are unable to catch up with them. As per the media reports, while the government agency is trying to locate one of the suspected through Interpol, the media representative has contacted him and gathered information. It may be due to the cumbersome formalities and deficiencies of resources. Since the destructive value of this menace is not less than from an enemy country our government may use all available resources including intelligence agencies to eradicate narcotics from our country. The following are submitted for the consideration of all concerned.

1. All incoming cargo should be thoroughly examined. New technological innovation may also be tried.

2. Private informers may be encouraged with charming awards and utmost secrecy.

3. Central intelligence agencies may be deployed to reach the last link of the chain.

4. Addicts found must be compulsorily treated and reformed. Also try to prevent new entrants as much as possible. If necessary, law may be amended suitably.

5. Strict vigil may be ensured on fishing boats.

6. Government employees, if found involved in this in any way should be removed from the service alongwith other legal actions. There are media reports of involvement of political workers in narcotics trade. This should be enquired.

K V George