For representational purpose only/Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay
Morung Express News
Kohima | June 26
A state level panel discussion on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was jointly organized by Social Welfare Department, State Level Coordinating Agency, Kripa Foundation and FINGODAP (Nagaland Chapter) on June 26.
Increase in seizures of drug
SLCA Coordinator, Bendang Imsong while moderating the discussion gave the latest data by the Superintendent of Police (Narcotics), Nagaland where it stated that ganja, opium, heroin, brown sugar etc and tablets were seized in large quantities between May-December 2020.
However, a comparison in the conceding months i.e. January to May 2021 pointed that there was an increase in seizures of opium, heroin and brown sugar. Yaba Tablets were a new seizure made which was not made last year.
Main drug trafficking routes in Nagaland
The report also indicated that the main drug trafficking routes in Nagaland are Manipur to Dimapur via Khuzama and Kohima, Tadubi (Manipur) to Dimapur via Peren and Jalukie, Myanmar to Assam via Noklak, Tuensang and Mokokchung, Myanmar to Assam via Longwa, Mon and Tizit, New field check gate (Dillai gate) to Dimapur, Tsutapela check post (Marani Assam) to Mokokchung, Wameken check post (Amguri Assam) to Mokokchung and also through Tizit and Naganimora into Mon.
Demand for Opiod Substitution Therapy reported
While the COVID-19 Pandemic has affected various sections of the society, Dr Bernice, Joint Director, TI, NSACS, Health and Family Welfare said that since the first wave of COVID-19 last year, an overwhelming demand for Opiod Substitution Therapy was reported.
According to the Jt. Director, the department had received over 2000 cases of OST. In contrast, OST programme which was introduced in 2012 in Nagaland, an underlying challenge in the state was talking to people to avail OST which maybe due to fear of identification or stigma, she underscored. As an intervention, she said mass awareness, good treatment facility and early identification over dependence was largely needed.
Underage substance use a growing concern
Fr Dr Joe Mariadhas, Loyola Higher Secondary School, Kiphire in his presentation spoke on the role of youth and the role of educational institutions in combating substance use and abuse stated that substance abuse among adolescent was multifactorial. One of the growing concerns was underage alcohol and drug use was a leading public health and social problem.
In Nagaland, dependency on cannabis was higher than the national average and opiods use is rising which a matter of concern. Among adolescent, alcohol was found to be the most commonly used substance followed by marijuana and cigarettes.
As a suggestion, he said that, “prevention programmes should address all forms of drug abuse, alone or in combination including the underage use of legal drugs (tobacco), use of illegal drugs (alcohol, marijuana and heroin), and the inappropriate use of legally obtained substances (inhalants), prescription medication or over the counter drugs.”
Teachers, church apart from family members play key role in combating substance use among adolescents.
Intervention prog in pipeline
Wango Langsym, Assistant Director, Nodal Officer Social Welfare Department incited that drug abuse has become rampant and penetrated to rural areas even low income people. While there is need for proper and accurate data for intervention, he said that various stakeholders and NGOs have been working hand in hand.
Therefore, to address demand reduction and primary intervention, prison intervention programme, rehabilitation for vulnerable groups etc are in the pipeline.
Langsym also informed that a Committee of Concerned (CoC) headed by the Chief Secretary was formed to coordinate and implement the Nagaland State Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Policy, 2016. However, the policy also needs to be amended for which the department has written to the government for approval. Accordingly necessary addition has been made which is under consultation as of now.
Dr P Ngully, Chairman Kripa Foundation and Senior Psychiatrist spoke on the psychological impact and processes on substance use abuse.
Yambemo Lotha, Sr Pastor, Lotha Baptist Church, Dimapur and Neiba Kesiezie General Secretary Nagaland Users Network also gave presentation.
