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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Drug awareness drive in Haryana goes digital with podcast series
: In a yet another digitally driven innovative move, the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB) has started a podcast series to create awareness about drugs and mobilise public opinion to combat this menace. The initiative, spearheaded by HSNCB DGP OP Singh is an attempt to connect the public with often unseen work of the police through candid conversations with officers working on the ground. (HT Photo) The initiative, spearheaded by HSNCB director general (DG) OP Singh is an attempt to connect the public with often unseen work of the police through candid conversations with officers working on the ground. In its latest episode, the HSNCB chief sat down with two deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) Jagbir Singh and Satyender to discuss some of the biggest challenges the anti-narcotics drive is facing in Haryana. The next edition of the podcast will feature officers working on rehabilitation and de-addiction initiatives, continuing the Bureau's effort to present a 360-degree view of its anti-drug mission. 'This podcast is a bridge between the public and the police, offering authentic, unfiltered narratives from ground operatives who are at the heart of this critical enforcement effort,' OP Singh said. The conversation with DSPs in two different episodes touched on the growing abuse of pharmaceutical drugs as cheaper alternatives to hard narcotics, and the complexities involved in tackling inter-state drug trafficking networks. The conversation offers listeners an insight into the operational realities of drug enforcement like the patterns, tactics, and human costs. PHARMACEUTICAL DRUG ABUSE ON RISE The one portion of the podcast zeroed in on the disturbing rise in abuse of pharmaceutical drugs such as Tramadol, Tapentadol, Alprazolam, and codeine-based cough syrups. These medications--legal when prescribed-- are increasingly being misused as substitutes for costlier and harder-to-source drugs like heroin and opium, said Singh. According to the DSP heading the HSNCB's pharmaceutical enforcement wing, peddlers are exploiting legal loopholes and vulnerable supply chains to make these drugs available on the black market. 'These tablets are cheap, easy to conceal, and often fly under the radar,' he said, adding that teenagers and first-time users are particularly vulnerable due to the low cost and easy availability. The DGP underlined the need for tighter surveillance over medical supply chains, routine pharmacy audits, and public awareness about the hidden dangers of so-called 'milder' drugs. 'The damage these pharma drugs do — to health, families, and futures — is just as devastating,' he said, adding that Haryana has seen a record number of arrests of inter-state smugglers in the past year. WHY A PODCAST, AND WHY NOW? According to Singh, there is no better way to gain public confidence than to speak directly, truthfully, and transparently. 'These podcasts allow people to hear from those who are not just in uniform, but in the thick of action,' he said, pointing out that this medium also serves as a morale booster for field operatives, whose painstaking efforts often go unnoticed. 'What they say is not filtered through headlines, agendas, or studio debates . It is the truth from ground zero. HSNCB podcast is helping demystify policing, build trust, and foster community participation in the fight against drugs.' The decision to start awareness via the podcast comes close on the heels of Haryana recording a 29% rise in serious drug-related cases registered between January and June this year under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Police registered 1,858 first information reports (FIRs), up from 1,657 during the same period in 2024. Till June in 2025, Haryana Police registered 233 commercial quantity cases against 166 last year, showing a nearly 29% jump, as per official data.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
In a 1st, Haryana top cop launches podcast to discuss state's war on drugs
Chandigarh: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Director General of Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB), OP Singh, on Sunday launched a podcast series aimed at bringing citizens closer to the frontline of the state's battle against drugs. The podcast, led personally by the DGP, is envisioned as a bridge between the public and the police, offering authentic, unfiltered narratives from ground operatives who are at the heart of this critical enforcement effort. The DGP hosted two deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) from HSNCB, engaging them in an insightful conversation on two of the most pressing challenges confronting the anti-drug drive in Haryana — the rising misuse of pharmaceutical drugs as affordable alternatives to hard narcotics, and the complex network of inter-state drug trafficking. Through this candid and deeply informed dialogue, the DGP offered listeners a rare glimpse into the operational realities of drug enforcement — the patterns, tactics, and human costs that rarely make it into conventional news reports. One segment of the podcast focused on the disturbing rise in abuse of pharmaceutical drugs such as Tramadol, Tapentadol, Alprazolam, and codeine-based syrups — substances that are legal under medical supervision but are increasingly being misused as substitutes for costlier and harder-to-source drugs like heroin and opium. The DSP in charge of the HSNCB's pharmaceutical enforcement wing explained how peddlers have begun exploiting legal loopholes and vulnerable supply chains to make these drugs available on the black market. "These tablets are cheap, easy to conceal, and often fly under the radar," he said, adding that teenagers and first-time users are particularly vulnerable due to the low cost and easy availability. "The damage these pharma drugs do — to health, families, and futures — is just as devastating," he said. The second half of the podcast turned the spotlight on inter-state drug trafficking — a key concern for Haryana given its strategic location. The DGP spoke with a DSP who was instrumental in tracking and intercepting smuggling routes from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi. The officer narrated several operations in which large consignments of commercial quantity narcotics were seized based on actionable intelligence, surveillance technology, and inter-agency coordination. "Inter-state trafficking is no longer just about physical movement," the officer explained. "It's a sophisticated web involving digital payments, SIM box frauds, and fake identities. We're constantly evolving to stay ahead." MSID: 122798068 413 |
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Tapentadol abuse among youths keeps Trichy police on toes
Trichy: While drug abuse involving ganja and banned tobacco products is declining in Trichy due to the enforcement targeting the supply chain, Tapentadol, a new and emerging mode of drug abuse, is keeping the city police on alert. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now By forging medical prescriptions, peddlers are purchasing the painkiller tablets online and get them delivered at doorsteps to sell the tablets targeting youths who are willing to pay a hefty sum to indulge in perilous intoxication. The Tamil Nadu drug administration department said Tapentadol is not a banned drug but prescribed as a painkiller by doctors. However, since Feb, instances of Tapentadol abuse has been increasing. Peddlers purchase a tablet at Rs 30 sell it at Rs 100 to Rs 350 based on the demand. Peddlers mostly using scooters and bikes target youths in secluded areas and public places close to educational institutions. "Youths say that the intoxication by injection of the diluted drug lasts for about six hours. Unlike ganja, Tapentadol abuse is not resulting in crimes, but youths are spoiling their health. Apart from consuming, some youths are becoming peddlers," a police officer said. Most seizures involve bulk confiscation ranging from 50 to 7,000 tablets. The drug administration department said the Tapentadol tablets in circulation are mostly bought online. "There was one incident in which a pharmacy owner was involved. He was booked under the Goondas Act and his shop was sealed. The crackdown on online sales of the tablets has been intensified too," a senior officer from drug administration department told TOI. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Recently, a youth's arm was amputated as he developed a severe infection while injecting the drug, the officer added. "Continuous intake of Tapentadol will suppress the brain's function and result in behavioural changes showing high aggression. There are high risks of infections and blood clots too," said M A Aleem, neurologist and retired vice-principal of KAP Viswanatham Govt Medical College. Police said the youths involved in sales and purchase of the painkiller tablet are booked and remanded under Section 18(c) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which attracts up to one year jail term if convicted.
Irish Daily Mirror
01-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Revenue seizes over €2m in contraband, including drugs and counterfeit goods
Revenue officers seized contraband with an estimated value of €2,051,630 in various operations in Dublin, the Midlands, and Rosslare Europort over the past week. The detections were made as a result of risk profiling and intelligence-led operations, and included 4.18kg of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of over €82,000. The herbal cannabis was discovered with the assistance of detector dogs Enzo and Ciara, whilst Revenue officers were examining parcels at premises in Dublin and the Midlands. The parcels originated from the USA, Poland, Spain and Canada, and were destined for various addresses nationwide. Various illicit tablets with an estimated value of over €24,000 were also seized alongside various other illicit drugs with an estimated value of almost €7,000, fake euro notes with a value of €24,330, and 424 counterfeit items with an estimated value of over €161,000. The various illicit drugs consisted of cannabis oil, cocaine, edibles, reefers, Zopiclone, Diazepam, Benzodiazepine, Alprazolam and Tapentadol, Cannabinoid Vape Liquid, Clonazepam, CBD capsules, psychoactive, cannabis capsules, cannabis lollipops, 2-MMC Crystals and Synthetic Cannabinoids. The counterfeit goods were seized as they were confirmed by the Rights Holder to have infringed on Intellectual Property Rights. The counterfeit goods were branded Adidas, O'Neills, New Balance, Nike, Asics, On clouds, Crocs, Balenciaga, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Christian Dior, Dr Martens, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Moncler, Nike, Rolex, Northface, On Cloud, Polo, Ralph Lauren, Under Armour and YSL. Four weapons were also seized in the Midlands and mailing centres, while the fake euro notes were seized in Dublin. The weapons consisted of a sword, machete, stun gun and smoke fountain. Revenue also seized nearly 86 litres of alcohol with an estimated value of almost €1,700, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of almost €1,000. The alcohol consisted of wine, beer and spirits. The cigarettes were branded L&D Red, Camel, Silk Cut Purple and Kent Core. 2,000kg of tobacco, with an estimated value of over €1,750,000, and 1,800 cigarettes with an estimated value of over €1,600, were seized during the operations. The tobacco was seized on Thursday, June 26, as a result of risk profiling, in Dublin Port. The tobacco is branded "Flandria Virginia English", and was seized under Section 141 Finance Act 2001. A man was charged and has since appeared before the courts. Investigations are ongoing. The cigarettes and alcohol products were seized in various operations in the Midlands and Rosslare. A Revenue spokesperson said that investigations into all seizures are ongoing. They added: "These seizures are part of Revenue's ongoing operations targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295."
Irish Independent
01-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Fake luxury clothes, cigarettes and drugs worth €2m seized by Revenue
Last week, Revenue officers seized the goods in various operations in Dublin, the Midlands, and Rosslare Europort. This included herbal cannabis, illicit tablets, fake euro notes, alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes and counterfeit items. The counterfeit items included a mixture of 23 designer and high street brands to the value of over €161,000. The various drugs seized included cannabis oil, cocaine, edibles, reefers, Zopiclone, Diazepam, Benzodiazepine, Alprazolam and Tapentadol, Cannabinoid Vape Liquid, Clonazepam, CBD capsules, psychoactive, cannabis capsules, cannabis lollipops, 2-MMC Crystals and Synthetic Cannabinoids. The counterfeit goods were branded Adidas, O'Neills, New Balance, Nike, Asics, Crocs, Balenciaga, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Christian Dior, Dr Martens, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Moncler, Nike, Rolex, Northface, On Cloud, Polo, Ralph Lauren, Under Armour and YSL. Weapons seized consisted of a sword, a machete, a stun gun and a smoke fountain. The tobacco branded 'Flandria Virginia English' was seized on Thursday 26 June, as a result of risk profiling, in Dublin Port. A man was charged and has since appeared before the courts. Investigations are ongoing. The herbal cannabis was discovered, with the assistance of detector dogs Enzo and Ciara, whilst Revenue officers were examining parcels at premises in Dublin and the Midlands. The parcels originated from the USA, Poland, Spain and Canada, and were destined for various addresses nationwide. The cigarettes and alcohol products were seized in various operations in the Midlands and Rosslare. Four weapons were also seized in the Midlands and mailing centres, the fake euro notes were seized in Dublin. These seizures are part of Revenue's ongoing operations targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295. All detections were made as a result of risk profiling and intelligence-led operations, with investigations into all seizures ongoing.
