Drug abuse is no longer merely a law-and-order challenge. It is a serious threat to public health, family life, social harmony and, above all, the future of our youth. The changing nature of the illegal drug trade-with trafficking networks increasingly exploiting technology and new distribution channels-makes community vigilance more important than ever. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)??, India’s nodal agency for drug-law enforcement and coordination on drug-related matters, has rightly emphasized that enforcement must go hand in hand with awareness, prevention, demand reduction and rehabilitation. Its nationwide awareness programmes in schools and colleges, community campaigns, rallies and pledge initiatives underline an important truth: the battle against drugs cannot be won by enforcement agencies alone.

As a police officer, I have always believed........

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