‘The Song remains the same: Drugs and drug use in Manipur

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum,/Moderator,

‘The Song remains the same and the feature is changing…., drug smuggling on the

rise’!

Beside, the heavy security and the alertness in the state of Manipur, Drug

smuggling has become a way of life and it is increasing day by day. During this

short period and during this festive season of New Year January 2005 tremendous

amount of heroin and SP tablets with arms has been siege by the security

personal. Nearly half KG of heroin, more than 4000 tablets of SP (Spasmo

Proxvon) and huge haul of Ganja (Marijuana) amounting crores of rupees in the

market. Among the SP (Spasmo Proxvon) smuggler, arms were also seized (Local New

paper date 9th, 21st, 24th and 25th - The Sangai Express, Ereibak, Imphal Free

Press, Poknapham, & ISTV cable network).

As per the information collected from the various local new papers, involvement

of women and arm has associated with drug smuggling trade has also increased as

compare to yesteryears.

Manipur being a high HIV/AIDS prevalence state among the IDUs population in

India and world as well, the authority need to look in to the issue seriously so

that Mid 80’s drug use problems should not be repeated in the state of Manipur.

We need to focus and strengthen the supply reduction strategies as well in order

to stop the influx of drugs while we persist to pursue State AIDS policy to

strengthen the existing Harm Reduction program so as to scale up in wider

context to prevent further damage looking from a public health perspective.

Bangkim Ch

Project Manager

SASO- Social Awareness Service Organisation

SASO, Imphal

E-mail: <bankimimph@...>