NOW, DRUGS ARE A BURNING ISSUE

Tomorrow isn't just another day. For, June 26 is the International Day
Against Illicit Trafficking Of Drugs And Drug Abuse. To mark the occasion,
the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is all set to burn hundreds of kgs of
ganja, hashish, opium and heroin on the banks of the Yamuna.

But it is not only symbolism and a sense of occasion which the NCB has on
its mind. ''With our godowns overflowing with narcotics, space is a problem
for us. Besides, the chances of pilferage can't be ruled out," says a
senior NCB official, "Subsequent to the disposal of 425 kg of drugs,
including 400 kg of heroin, tomorrow, the pressure on our warehouses will
ease out.''

Meanwhile, the NCB's drug-destruction mission has become a burning issue
for the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). As CPCB chairman D Biswas
puts it, ''Instead of burning the seized drugs, the NCB should bury them.
The burning of narcotic substances should be avoided for the sake of the
environment.''

For the NCB, however, there are apparently considerations beyond the
environment. While the Delhi unit of the NCB pays Rs 50,000 as monthly rent
to the Central Warehousing Corporation for the storage of seized goods
including drugs, a whole lot of seized drugs in its possession can't be
destroyed as trials are still on and the mandatory court approval is awaited.

Yes, a whole lot of grey areas need to be cleared up if drugs are to be
destroyed without putting green in the red.