Easy availability of drugs, alcohol in state worries church TNN | Jun 26, 2011, 12.18pm IST PANAJI: The social arm of the Catholic church, Council for Justice and Peace (CSJP), has expressed "deep concern" over the rampant abuse of drugs in Goan society.
"Goa, famous the world over because of its natural beauty and hospitality, has unfortunately been in the news for being a haven for drugs resulting in drug-related deaths of tourists and the exposure of a police-drug mafia nexus," said Fr Maverick Fernandes, executive secretary, council for social justice and peace. On Saturday, the eve of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, Maverick expressed concern over the fact that the drug abuse problem was no longer restricted to the coastal belt, but was making steady progress inland too. The Goa police have always maintained that the sale of drugs is negligent in Goa and that they are only consumed by tourists visiting the coastal belt. However, last year, the lid was blown on the police-drug mafia nexus after the arrest of Israeli drug dealer David Driham alias Dudu. Recently, the CBI also registered cases against seven policemen, who they believed were involved with Israeli drug dealer Yusuv Benaim alias Atala. ANC PSI Sunil Gudlar was also suspended after Dudu's sister alleged that he was demanding a bribe from them. The CSJP said that it is equally concerned with the aggressive promotion and easy availability of alcohol being encouraged by the government which is adversely impacting Goan homes. "While the government has been enacting various laws for the welfare of the woman and child, the failure to impose sufficient curbs on the drug trade and on the consumption of alcohol in particular has been the cause of trauma for several homes in Goa's villages. It is most unfortunate, that under the garb of tourism, the government has been promoting intoxicants, and in the process promoting an unhealthy culture not only among tourists who visit the state but also among the local population," said Maverick. He also expressed concern over the "rising number of road accidents, drowning on beaches and anti-social activities resulting from alcohol and drug abuse ". Urging Goans to take a serious look at the culture of alcohol and drugs that is engulfing the state, the CSJP has advised the government to impose measures to curb the sale of alcohol and to bring to book those who in an intoxicated state endanger the lives of citizens and disturb the peace in their family and society. "The existing de-addiction centres in the state must be well equipped and manned with highly motivated and adequately qualified staff. Dedicated help lines and after-care centres need to be set up for giving guidance and therapeutic support to persons in distress due to drug and alcohol-related problems. Citizens, individually and collectively, are duty bound to work towards discouraging the use of alcohol at public functions and providing a healthy culture in order to promote holistic health and to protect the younger generation," Maverick added. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Easy-availability-of-drugs-alcohol-in-state-worries-church/articleshow/8999293.cms
