Ranchi: The growing incidence of drug abuse among youths and minors emerged as a serious concern in wards 22, 23 and 24 of the city, with residents alleging that illegal trade and consumption of narcotics are taking place openly in several pockets.Residents of the three wards said that the sale of ganja, heroin, brown sugar and other intoxicants was carried out openly. Youths and school-going boys were under the grip of these prohibited items. There was hardly any family without a youth who has fallen prey to the menace.
“Many youths engage in the consumption of drugs in groups in narrow lanes and secluded spots and created an unhealthy situation after dark,” said Karim Khan, a resident of Qurban Chowk in ward 23.Another resident of Bhatti Chowk of ward 24, Abdul Rashid, said, “It is disturbing to witness minors getting involved in intoxication. Although police often conduct raids and arrest many, the menace has not ended.”Apart from the health risks associated with drug consumption, locals fear that the menace could lead to a rise in petty crimes and anti-social activities. They urged police to intensify patrolling, conduct regular raids, and initiate awareness campaigns in schools and communities.The wards are plagued by irregular waste collection, open drains, and drinking water scarcity issues.Reshma Khatun, a resident of Nizam Nagar in ward 22, said, “Drugs are more easily available than water. Also, garbage collection does not happen for days, leading to the dumping of waste on roads and creating unhygienic conditions.”Officer in-charge of the Hindpiri police station Ranjeet Kumar Sinha said, “Police often carried out raids and arrested many in recent times. But the public also have to help police to bring an end to this menace. Citizens must report suspicious movements of drug dealers to the police to tackle the issue.”
