Patna, Oct 22 Bihar minister Madan Sahni on Thursday rejected any link between the state’s liquor prohibition law and the rise in drug seizures, saying the trend was prevalent in other states as well.
Speaking to PTI, the state prohibition, excise and registration minister said, “It is true that there has been an increase in the seizure of substances banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Bihar, but it does not mean that it is happening because of liquor prohibition.”
He said the increase in seizures was not limited to Bihar but was a “phenomenon prevalent in other states as well”.
“I must say that due to the alertness of the officials concerned, the quantity of the seizure of substances prohibited under the NDPS Act has increased in the state, but at the same time, people should know that the majority of the prohibited substances seized in Bihar are meant for supply to other states,” he said.
Since these substances are intercepted in the state, it creates the impression that they are meant for consumption locally, which is not true, the minister added.
“Prohibition has been quite successful in Bihar and those with vested interests, who are questioning the law imposed during the chief ministership of the then CM Nitish Kumar, will not succeed in their nefarious agenda,” Sahni said.
Referring to a media report on the issue, RJD MP Manoj Jha had said drug abuse was destroying generations in the state.
Responding to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s commitment to make India drug-free by the end of 2029, Jha urged him to focus on Bihar as well, alleging that the state leadership “is unable to handle” the problem of drug abuse.
“It is good that Shah has set a target of 2029, and not 2047,” the MP said.
“Elections are due in Punjab where the NDA doesn’t have a government, but in Bihar, generations are destroyed due to drug abuse. Shah must turn his eyes towards the state because the leadership here is unable to handle the state of affairs,” he added.
(PTI News)
