.JPG "Ganja turning into simply accessible in and round Vijayawada, say customers")
Police officers are conducting counselling periods for youth who had been caught shopping for the contraband, and are educating them on the risks of turning into hooked on it.
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An rising variety of youth who’re getting arrested for drug use and are below police statement are affirming that ganja is turning into simply accessible at many locations in and round Vijayawada.
Several youngsters attended an ‘Anti-Drug Drive’, organised by the Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) and the Commissioner’s Task Force on Wednesday.
Police stated that almost 550 ganja addicts and 300 drug peddlers had been recognized in NTR District Police Commissionerate. Black spots have been recognized at many locations, the police stated.
“I am an SSC dropout, and got addicted to ganja (marijuana). My friends would procure the contraband from the peddlers via middlemen, who operate on a commission. The contraband is easily available at many places and there are many suppliers in Vijayawada,” says a 19-year-old youth.
“I used to sniff whitener earlier and later became addicted to ganja. But I have quit my addiction now. Ganja is being sold at areas like YSR Colony, Ajit Singh Nagar, Jakkampudi Colony, Machavaram, Raja Rajeswari Peta, Ranigari Thota and other areas,” an auto-rickshaw driver tells The Hindu requesting anonymity.
A number of youth, who attended a counselling session, admit that they’re unable to ditch the vice. The contraband is turning into simply accessible whilst its value has gone up by 4 or 5 occasions of what it was a few years in the past, they are saying.
“Many rickshaw-pullers, pan shop owners, ascetics, auto-rickshaw drivers and petty vendors are selling ganja in small sachets. Even some women are peddling the contraband,” says a youth who attended the counselling session.
“Earlier, I used to procure a ganja packet weighing 25 grams for ₹100. Now, the same quantity is being sold at ₹500 or even more. The price depends on the demand,” rues a petty vendor.
Some youngsters say they pressured themselves to stop the behavior, however police are nonetheless asking them to attend counselling periods. “We request the police to control the smuggling and sale of ganja,” they are saying.
“It is a big racket. Smugglers are transporting ganja in small quantities (two to three kg) and sell the same to the local suppliers. They, in turn, will market the contraband through their mediators. Many minors are among the ganja addicts,” say the youth.
Source: www.thehindu.com
