Ladakh is witnessing an “alarming” rise in cases of drug abuse, Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said on Tuesday.
He said the growing number of drug abuse cases in the Union Territory had put people across age groups at grave risk.
“What is more disturbing is the rapidly growing indulgence of minors and girls in substance abuse,” he said.
Giving details, the L-G said 298 new cases of drug abuse, including 101 cases involving opioids and 40 involving cannabis and poly-substance abuse, had been reported in recent months.
He said directions had been issued to the DGP to ensure strict enforcement against the drug menace in the Union Territory, launch a crackdown on drug traffickers and eliminate their hideouts.
“Strict action will be taken against anybody found indulging in drug trafficking or its consumption,” Saxena said.
The L-G also appealed to all social, religious, cultural, political and educational institutions, and their leaders, to create awareness among parents and youths about “the horrific menace of drug abuse that can destroy the future of our children.”
“I also urge every citizen of Ladakh to report any incident of drug trafficking or drug abuse that comes to their knowledge,” he said.
