The drug scourge continues to plague Punjab as at least 14 individuals have reportedly lost their lives to overdoses in the past two weeks according to data gathered by The Tribune. A similar crisis occurred back in June 2018 when 23 youths succumbed to overdoses, with some found with syringes still inserted.
Police records indicate nine deaths transpired in the short span of one week alone across various districts of the northern Indian state. Three deaths were reported from Gurdaspur while two each occurred in Abohar, Moga, Amritsar and Ferozepur. Single deaths were also reported in Muktsar, Faridkot and Ludhiana.
Drug abuse is suspected as the cause in the majority of cases with victims either consuming unusually high doses of heroin or adulterated substances. In some instances, syringe marks were visible on the body. The Punjab police have registered cases against alleged drug suppliers in about half the cases and have arrested four suspects from Gurdaspur so far in their ongoing investigation.
While the data relies primarily on statements from grieving family members and local law enforcement, it sheds light on Punjab's persistent drug troubles which are often linked to smuggling across the Pakistan border. The surge in fatalities is an unsettling reminder of the 2018 crisis and shows authorities still have their work cut out combatting this unabated menace.
Tackling substance abuse remains a monumental challenge requiring coordinated multi-pronged efforts from all stakeholders. With lives continuing to be lost prematurely, it is imperative that decisive action is taken to stem the supply of dangerous narcotics and rehabilitate addicts back into society. Only then can Punjab hopefully overcome its grueling drug problem for good.
