Congress Leader Ajay Rai Writes to CM Yogi Seeking Action on Open Drug Trade in UP

GG News Bureau
Varanasi, 31st Dec. The Congress’ Uttar Pradesh president, Ajay Rai, on Monday, sent a letter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, urging him to take strict action against the rampant “open sale of intoxicants” across the state. Rai highlighted the growing issue of drug abuse and its severe impact on both urban and rural areas, calling for immediate intervention to safeguard future generations from falling into addiction.

Rai expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of drug sales and use, pointing out that these activities have spread to both urban centers and remote villages. He termed this as “shameful for any civilized society” and criticized the state government for what he described as an administrative failure. “The youth and poor sections of the state are becoming its biggest victims,” Rai said, adding that the ongoing drug issue is ruining the future of both the state’s development and its people.

The Congress leader pointed out that the youth, who should be contributing to the state’s progress, are being caught in the grip of drug abuse, jeopardizing their future. He also emphasized the plight of the poor, who, despite toiling hard as laborers to support their families amid rising inflation, are succumbing to addiction.

Rai further alleged that the police were aware of the problem but had failed to act. “The common people know which intoxicant is available in which street of cities and villages, but the police don’t. This is happening with the knowledge, or protection, of the police,” he claimed. Rai expressed frustration that despite widespread media reports, the police system seemed oblivious to the issue, suggesting that the authorities were either unaware or negligent, akin to “Kumbhakarna sleeping.”

In his letter, Rai urged CM Adityanath to intervene and take decisive steps to save future generations from the dangers of drug abuse.

Meanwhile, in a related development, a meeting of the state-level committee of the National Narcotics Coordination Portal (NCORD) was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh. The meeting focused on identifying hotspots for narcotics around schools, colleges, and hostels. Singh emphasized the need for strict action against individuals involved in the sale and consumption of narcotics, while ensuring that such hotspots do not resurface after interventions.

An official statement from the NCORD meeting revealed that 212 hotspots had been identified, but after action was taken, the number had decreased to 44. The authorities have also made significant progress in curbing the illegal drug trade, seizing 607.11 kilograms of illegal substances and arresting 231 individuals. As of November 2024, 5,631 drug-related cases were registered, resulting in the arrest of 7,334 people and the seizure of 46,773.24 kilograms of illegal drugs. The Anti-Narcotics Task Force has also registered 117 cases this year, leading to the arrest of 260 accused individuals and the seizure of 12,693.38 kilograms of illegal drugs worth Rs 130.88 crore.