New Delhi, June 26: On the International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, the United Nations office on Drugs and Crime has said India "should be doing more" to tackle the narcotics trade in the country.
"India should be doing more on the narcotics front," Representative for the Regional UNODC Office for South Asia Cristina Albertin told reporters.
She also suggested setting up of a Narcotics Commission, a practice followed in various other countries, but maintained that Indian narcotics agencies are doing a good job.
Talking about the world drug report which was released recently, Albertin said, "India has a huge population and figures on prevalence rate is yet to me made available. India, because of its huge population, is an integral part of our global efforts against narcotics."
On asked about reports suggesting that India is becoming a source country for online pharmaceutical rackets of medicines including precursors (chemicals used for making narcotics) in the region, she said the UN agency will now closely monitor the trend.
"I would not be able to say anything at this moment as this is not part of the world drug report. We would monitor the trend," Albertin said.
She, however added, "India is a huge pharmaceutical market and also has numerous industries. So, it is a possibility that some might be channeled for illicit drugs trade."
Interestingly, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence had earlier this week seized 110 kg of Acetic Anhydride, a chemical substance used to produce heroin, from Amristar which was meant to be smuggled out to Pakistan.
Suggesting setting up of a Narcotics Commission, she said, "In many of the countries, they have set up a Narcotics Commission, which acts as a one point stop for everything related to narcotics trade. But, then, there are countries who have not done so but are doing a splendid job."
Albertin also praised India's effort on treatment of drug abusers.
"I am positively surprised that India is doing very well when it comes to treatment for drug abusers. In many countries, the treatment is left to the NGOs which have to look for funds. But here, the government is taking a proactive step which is good," she added.
Bureau Report