LS passes bill to control menace of drugs

Lok Sabha today passed a bill to strengthen an Act which provides for control and regulation of narcotic drugs and forfeiture of property used for its illicit traffic.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill, 2011 was introduced in the Lok Sabha in 2011 by then Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
The bill, which amends the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, was moved by Minister of State for Finance Namo Narain Meena and passed by voice vote after a brief discussion.
It was earlier referred to the Standing Committee on Finance.
The bill strengthens the existing Act with provisions for tracing and seizing illegally acquired properties used for drug trafficking so that it becomes more difficult for drug traffickers to carry out their illicit activities.

Participating in the debate, members cutting across party lines expressed concern over harmful impact of illegal drugs on students, youth and working class.

Cine-star turned politician Shatrughan Sinha (BJP) agreed with Saugata Roy (TMC) and Ramachandra Dome (CPI-M) when they said Bollywood is in the deep influence of narcotic drugs.
"Mumbai film world is affected by drugs. Several heroes are using it. I know a top hero...He is taking drugs. What is the source?," Roy asked.
Noting that the bill was very important, Sinha said drug has "no discrimination" and it was "secular" in nature as it impacts same way whoever consumes it.

"You should strike at roots...Not only branches...Laws have to be effectively implemented to punish the officials who are hand in glove with the traffickers," Sinha said.
Members including Roy, Nishikant Dubey (BJP), Shailendra Kumar (SP), Ajay Kumar (JVM-P) and Dome said the menace has spread from slums to higher strata of the society and the sources of such narcotic durgs have to be sealed.
Replying to the debate, Meena said the government would look into members' suggestions and assured the House that the menace of narcotic drugs would be dealt with firm hand.