The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Drug trade on the run

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Apr 24, 2004

Kerala

Kerala - Kochi

Drug trade on the run

WEST KOCHI'S notoriety as a hub for producers and peddlers of narcotic drugs seems to be on the decline thanks to some of the measures adopted by the police of late. The official figures say that the number of cases registered against drug peddlers under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act has gone down in the city compared to last year.

The police had registered 28 cases as part of its anti-narcotics drive last year. Only five cases have been registered under the Act during so far this year. A recent High Court verdict with regard to the possession of drugs appears to have helped the police in strengthening their drive against drug peddlers.

"Selling of drugs has come down considerably in West Kochi and nearby areas. Earlier, even those who were caught possessing over 1,000 ampoules of the substance could get bail from the court. However, with the new initiatives from the police, it has become difficult for peddlers and manufacturers to conduct the trade smoothly", says Varghese Thomas, Circle Inspector, Mattancherry.

According to the police records, more than nine persons are under trial in various sub-jails without bail for various crimes under the NDPS Act. Under the Act, persons in possession of even a small quantity of any drug are likely to get tough punishment. "Drugs were sold in the open in many parts of West Kochi earlier. The trend has come down after those involved in the trade realised that it was really difficult to get bail", adds Mr.Thomas.

According to the police, even women in many families in West Kochi are involved in the trade, being lured mainly by the money involved in the business. Police officials say that those involved in the trade make at least 80 to 90 per cent profit. An ampoule that is purchased from the neighbouring States for Rs.15-20 is sold for Rs.100 in Kochi. A person who has invested Rs.10, 000 in the trade can earn at least Rs. 1 lakh through sale, say police officials.

The lack of jobs for youth and the severe economic crisis faced by a large section of West Kochiites are considered some of the reasons for persons getting involved in drug peddling. With Mattancherry losing its glory as a major trade centre in the State, unemployment has been on the rise in the area.

"The majority of those involved in the trade are forced into the trade just to make a living. Hundreds have lost jobs following the shift of trade activities from Mattancherry to other parts of the State. The increase in labour charges was one of the reason for many industries shifting operations from here," says M.A.Thomas, former MLA of Mattancherry.

People's samithys have also come up against the sale of drugs in West Kochi. The anti-drug forum in Mattancherry and Fort Kochi organised meetings to create awareness among the local public against drug peddling recently. People have also been advised about the ills of using pan masala. The local public has also stressed the need to evolve more employment opportunities in West Kochi to counter the menace of drug peddling.

"Tourism could provide the locals with new employment opportunities. The Government has to set up basic amenities for foreign and domestic tourists. Steps have to be taken to explore new tourism avenues available in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry," adds Mr.Thomas.

Despite the decreasing number of cases registered under the NDPS Act, police say manufacturers and drug peddlers based in West Kochi are working out new strategies to expand their trade. Those involved in the trade use mobile phones and high-powered vehicles to escape the police. Customers are contacted over mobile phones and notified of sale locations in West Kochi. Police find it tough to nab those involved as they leave the meeting place immediately.

According to the police, the drug trade has started moving out from West Kochi to areas like Malipuram, Aroor, Cherthala, Eramalloor and Muvattupuzha. The increasing population in West Kochi area has also made it tough for the police to spot the hideouts used by those involved in drugs trade.

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