The Metropolitan Police recently busted a decade-long hashish racket in the capital. Though not a major feat, this is remarkable in that the law enforcement agencies finally seem to have woken from their slumber. A few weeks ago, the government, in its bid to control the unregulated sale of alcohol, issued a directive prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages in grocery stores. A few days later, it also banned smoking in public places. It remains to be seen whether the implementation will be effective. But, the government seems to have overlooked the ever-growing scourge of drug peddling and abuse, which has posed the biggest threat of the three to our society.

Drug abuse, especially among youngsters, has grown alarmingly in recent days. Drug peddlers are even learnt to have lured college going students to deal in lethal drugs. It is under the influence of alcohol and drugs that most of the crimes are committed. The government therefore needs to set its priorities right. Crackdown on drug peddlers is even more important. Drug abuse not only damages health but also robs addicts of their conscience, thus making them more prone to commit crimes. The government needs to intensify its hunt for drug dealers who have been turning our youngsters into junkies.