DON'T BECOME A JUNKIE

Consuming it all: A keen student group takes down notes at the exhibition.

DRUG ABUSE! Even a mere mention of the phrase evokes revulsion in any
civilised society. The grip it has on the younger generation continues to be
a cause of concern. What is more, did you know that addiction to drugs is
also a reason for committing crimes? Or did you know that youngsters in 14 -
16 age group are most vulnerable to drug peddlers, as also drug abusers.

Taking the oft-repeated maxim "Catch them young" seriously, the Narcotics
Intelligence Bureau Criminal Investigation Department (NIB-CID) put in its
best efforts to create awareness among the public against the menace by
organising an exhibition at the Rajaji Hall in Chennai. Incidentally, the
"International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking" was observed
by enforcement agencies around the world on June 26.

However, even a small attempt in spreading the anti-drug abuse message does
evoke a good response as the one day exhibition on Friday proved.

Tracing the history of the use of drugs during ancient years -- when perhaps
the side-effects of consumption were not well known -- the exhibition gave
an insight into the world-wide phenomenon at present. And the disastrous
effects of drug consumption on the human system and drug menace on society.

To give a "reality touch" for the show, samples of various drugs and
psychotropic substances were on display, to tell the visitors that the
innocent-looking clear white powder, heroin, is a deadly substance which
ought to be avoided. Strictly. Besides ruining the health of the consumers,
at times junkies resort to crimes to get a few extra bucks which can fetch
them brown sugar or a leaf or two of ganja to make themselves "float in a
world of their own".

What more can be done than conveying this message through short films? The
visual medium did come in handy to the special unit.

The exhibition's message was loud and clear -- avoid drugs, drug addicts and
"Let us vow to fight drug trafficking".

True to this year's international day's theme "treatment works", drug-de
addiction efforts were also highlighted.

Students of about 25 institutions in the city and those in Police Boys Clubs
visited the exhibition.

Though it is said a "sizeable student population" consumes drugs, there are
no credible statistics to estimate the magnitude of the problem.

No study has been conducted so far to arrive at the number of drug addicts
in the State, says a senior officer of the NIB-CID.

A pity.