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West Bengal Announces Zero Tolerance After Destroying Banned Cough Syrups
West Bengal’s government says it wants to stop illegal drugs from entering the state.
At a programme in Kolkata, officials destroyed about 3.10 lakh bottles of banned cough syrup.
The seized bottles were valued at nearly Rs 31 crore.
This was the second large destruction drive in the state this month.
The government said drug addiction can harm young people, families and communities.
It also linked addiction to some serious crimes, including crimes against women.
Several state and central agencies are working together to stop drug trafficking.
Officials will also watch routes used to move cough syrup and illegal crops.
The campaign is part of a national programme aiming for a drug-free India by 2029.
Suvendu Adhikari announced a zero-tolerance policy against drugs at the launch of the Nasha Mukt Bharat 2029 programme.
Authorities destroyed about 3.10 lakh bottles of banned cough syrup valued at nearly Rs 31 crore in Bidhannagar.
The action followed a September 2 operation in Balurghat that destroyed nearly two lakh bottles worth around Rs 20 crore.
Adhikari said agencies including the Narcotics Control Bureau, state police, Special Task Force, Kolkata Police and BSF were coordinating enforcement.
The government said it would target trafficking routes and illegal opium and cannabis cultivation, especially in border areas.
- Who
- West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, along with state and central enforcement agencies.
- What
- The government announced a zero-tolerance policy against drugs and destroyed about 3.10 lakh bottles of banned cough syrup.
- Where
- Eco Park in Bidhannagar, in Kolkata’s New Town area, and previously Balurghat.
- When
- Wednesday; a previous destruction operation took place on September 2.
- Why
- To discourage illegal cough-syrup trafficking, protect young people from addiction and support the goal of a drug-free state.
Key facts
- Destroyed consignment
- About 3.10 lakh bottles of banned cough syrup
- Estimated value
- Nearly Rs 31 crore
- Programme
- Nasha Mukt Bharat 2029
- Previous operation
- Nearly two lakh bottles destroyed in Balurghat on September 2
- Agencies involved
- Narcotics Control Bureau, state police, Special Task Force, Kolkata Police, BSF and other central agencies
- Additional enforcement
- Authorities were directed to target trafficking routes and illegal opium and cannabis cultivation in border areas
- Stated policy
- Zero tolerance toward the illegal business of banned cough syrups
Quotes
Suvendu Adhikari
West Bengal Chief Minister who announced the anti-drug policy
“West Bengal will not allow the business of banned cough syrups”
thestatesman.com
“Our objective is to save Bengal’s youth”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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