The authorities in Jharkhand are sounding the alarm bells over the widespread misuse of narcotics and habit-forming drugs in the state. In response to this growing issue, the joint drug controller (JDC) of the Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has issued a stern warning to all involved parties, urging them to take action to curb the misuse of drugs like codeine-based cough syrups and tramadol preparations.

Expressing concern over the potential public health crisis, especially among youth and adults, the DCA has reiterated an earlier directive issued by the state government two years ago. The circular has been dispatched to all inspectors to ensure strict supervision and monitoring of the sale of codeine cough syrup and other narcotic and psychotropic substances (NDPS) that are being abused as intoxicants.

According to media reports, Sumanta Kumar Tiwari, the JDC, highlighted the importance of these substances for medicinal purposes but underscored the alarming trend of misuse among youths and adults. While the law permits the sale of these drugs under certain conditions, reports indicate a worrying trend of misuse for recreational purposes.

In collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the DCA has initiated a concerted effort to combat drug abuse. This includes engaging with the Chemists Association to raise awareness about the harmful effects of habit-forming drugs. The awareness campaign is slated to continue for the next year, given the pervasive nature of drug misuse in Jharkhand.

Tiwari pointed out that many of these drugs are infiltrating the state from neighbouring regions like Bihar and West Bengal, as well as neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Bangladesh. To stem the flow of illicit drugs, all authorities and inspectors have been put on high alert.

In 2022, the Jharkhand government issued an order aimed at controlling the misuse of these substances. While not banned outright, the misuse of these drugs necessitates stringent control measures. Complaints regarding the misuse of codeine-containing cough syrup and other intoxicating medicines have prompted regulatory action to prevent further abuse.

To enforce these regulations, distributors and retailers have been instructed to adhere strictly to the prescribed quantities. Any excess stock is to be returned to the manufacturers to prevent unauthorized sales. Additionally, regulations have been tightened regarding the purchase and use of codeine phosphate APIs, with quotas issued by the Excise and Taxation Department.

Failure to maintain proper records of codeine phosphate transactions could result in legal consequences, as per the provisions of the NDPS Act. Similarly, unlicensed manufacturing, stocking, and sale of these drugs are considered serious offences, with penalties corresponding to the quantity of drugs involved.

In light of these measures, the authorities are doubling down on efforts to curb the rampant misuse of habit-forming drugs, aiming to safeguard public health and well-being in Jharkhand.