Pubdate: Mon, 24 Jun 2002
Source: Times of India, The (India)
Copyright: Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. 2002
Contact:  http://www.timesofindia.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/453
Author: Arun Kumar Das

NOW, DRUGS ARE A BURNING ISSUE

Tomorrow isn't just another day. For, June 26 is the International Day 
Against Illicit Trafficking Of Drugs And Drug Abuse. To mark the occasion, 
the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is all set to burn hundreds of kgs of 
ganja, hashish, opium and heroin on the banks of the Yamuna.

But it is not only symbolism and a sense of occasion which the NCB has on 
its mind. ''With our godowns overflowing with narcotics, space is a problem 
for us. Besides, the chances of pilferage can't be ruled out," says a 
senior NCB official, "Subsequent to the disposal of 425 kg of drugs, 
including 400 kg of heroin, tomorrow, the pressure on our warehouses will 
ease out.''

Meanwhile, the NCB's drug-destruction mission has become a burning issue 
for the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). As CPCB chairman D Biswas 
puts it, ''Instead of burning the seized drugs, the NCB should bury them. 
The burning of narcotic substances should be avoided for the sake of the 
environment.''

For the NCB, however, there are apparently considerations beyond the 
environment. While the Delhi unit of the NCB pays Rs 50,000 as monthly rent 
to the Central Warehousing Corporation for the storage of seized goods 
including drugs, a whole lot of seized drugs in its possession can't be 
destroyed as trials are still on and the mandatory court approval is awaited.

Yes, a whole lot of grey areas need to be cleared up if drugs are to be 
destroyed without putting green in the red.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens