The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : ‘Greater coordination needed to curb drug trafficking’

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Saturday, Jan 26, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

‘Greater coordination needed to curb drug trafficking’

Survey indicates growing drug abuse: NPA Director

Photo: G. Krishnaswamy

ISSUES OF CONCERN: G. S. Raja Gopal, Director, NPA, with Chief Commissioner, Customs, Central Excise, Hyderabad zone Jasdeep V Singh at the International Customs Day celebrations in city on Friday.

HYDERABAD: Director of National Police Academy G. S. Raja Gopal on Friday called for greater coordination between various departments to curb the growing drug trafficking and substance abuse. Addressing officials of Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax at the International Customs Day-2008 celebrations, Dr. Raja Gopal lamented the fact that youngsters were falling prey to drugs and substance abuse. “Greater coordination between customs, police, narcotics, parents and psychologists is the only way to protect our children,” he said.

The theme for this year’s International Customs Day, was ‘Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances’. “A recent survey conducted in all metros including Hyderabad indicated that girls are falling victims to drugs. In 2006, the drug abuse in India was a whopping 10 per cent and in 2007, it is 12 per cent among general population. Out of five youth, two are addicts in the country,” psychologist V. Nagesh said.

Prizes given away

Dr. Raja Gopal also gave away special prizes to children, who participated in a painting competition organised on the theme ‘Say No to Drugs’. Chief Commissioner of Customs and Central Excise Hyderabad zone Jasdeep V Singh was also present.

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