Bengaluru: Synthetic drugs have been significantly increasing in use in Karnataka in the past three years and this is worrying to law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, educators and policymakers.
Synthetic narcotics in urban and semi-urban areas are being detected and the need for better preventive measures, enforcement, awareness and rehabilitation services are increasing as well.
Synthetic drugs are chemically manufactured substances that mimic or interfere with natural narcotics. They are so volatile they are considered to be dangerous for health.
Officials said that synthetic drug-related crimes are being exacerbated by increased enforcement activities such as seizures, arrests and investigations carried out through Karnataka Police and other central enforcement agencies.
Law enforcement agencies are stepping up surveillance in suspected trafficking networks and working together with national agencies to disrupt illegal supply chains.
Experts believe there are many factors that contribute to the spread of synthetic drugs. The rise in urbanization, the misuse of online communication platforms by criminal networks, the shift of the abuse patterns of substance use and cross-border trafficking are some of the issues that enforcement agencies are monitoring.
And organized criminal groups also want to take advantage of technology and transportation networks to import drugs and distribute them, they say.
Synthetic drug use can have grave adverse health impacts for people. If we have a substance used, we will experience severe psychological distress, impaired judgment, cardiovascular complications and other medical emergencies. Because synthetic drugs are produced illegally and without quality control, the strength and ingredients are often unknown.
As the state has said so many times, drug abuse is about more than enforcement. Public awareness campaigns to schools, colleges, workplaces and communities have become an important part of the state’s approach. Through such campaigns young people and families are taught the dangers of substance abuse and early intervention and assistance.
Educational institutions in Karnataka have also strengthened awareness programs on life skills, mental well-being, and substance abuse prevention. And such experts say that by providing students with accurate information and having open conversations about addiction in school they are more likely to be less vulnerable and more likely to be able to recognize potential vulnerable individuals at an early stage.
Rehabilitation and de-addiction services continue to be central to the treatment of substance use disorders. Addiction is a complex condition with a lot to do with evidence-based treatment, counselling, family support, and long-term recovery strategies, medical professionals say. So accessing rehabilitation facilities and reducing stigma around seeking help are the top three healthcare providers’ priorities.
Karnataka’s government also is working with law enforcement agencies to strengthen anti-narcotics efforts. Specialized units continue to track trafficking networks, trace supply routes, and work with other states and national agencies in coordination. Legal action is being taken against those responsible for the production, transportation and distribution of illegal narcotics, officials said.
Community participation is now an important part of the anti-drug program. Residents, educational institutions, civil society groups and local officials are more and more encouraged to report suspicious behavior and take part in awareness campaigns. In reality officials say greater cooperation between citizens and law enforcement is more effective in prevention and enforcement.
Experts also stress the need for dealing with the psychological and social factors that may be responsible for substance abuse. Youth-oriented, recreational activities, skills learning schemes, job opportunities and family involvement to reduce risk factors will help young people.
And while enforcement data suggest an increase in synthetic drug-related cases in recent years, they say increased policing and better detection tools may also help to increase reporting and seizure figures. They are still saying that constant vigilance and preventive education, healthcare and law enforcement will all have to come together to solve the problem.
As Karnataka tackles the growing menace of synthetic drugs, government, healthcare, education and civil society also agree on the need for a coordinated, long-term strategy. Awareness is key to public health and safer communities across the state and community engagement is crucial to increase rehabilitation services and intelligence-led policing.
