Drugs play a significant role in crime

CHENNAI: Elaborating on the several harmful outcomes of an excessive drug habit, Dr V Palaniappan, retired director, Institute of Mental Health, Chennai, claimed that a survey taken across the world explains how one in three criminals take harmful doses of drugs before executing criminal activity. Courage, apart from mental relaxation, is an important outcome of drug consumption, he explained.Dr V Palaniappan was addressing an awareness session on drug abuse and illicit trafficking at Kilpauk Medical College, for the International Day against Drug Abuse And Illicit Trafficking on Tuesday.“Several new forms of addiction are being reported every day, including tasting snake venom or smelling whiteners, though the most common form in the state remains alcohol addiction,” he pointed out. A Dhanraj, retired deputy director of prosecution in the state, said “the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act was framed to penalise those taking drugs, though its enforcement leaves much to be desired. Even drug inspectors and revenue authorities are empowered to nab those miscreants in possession of drugs,” he explained, “Penalty for the crime was high, involving even 30 years of imprisonment or fine of even `2 lakhs.”Dr S Geethalakshmi, dean, KMC, noted how drugs prescribed for medical ailments often become addictions. Ephedrine, used commonly to treat asthma, becomes addictive and has negative side effects, she pointed out.