Latest survey on drug, alcohol use among Indians was conducted in 2001
Representational Image
An estimated 7.32 crore Indians use alcohol and drugs, the the Government informed the Lok Sabha on Friday quoting a 16-year-old survey.
In a written reply to a question, Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said the Social Justice and Empowerment ministry had conducted a national survey on the extent, pattern and trend of drug abuse in the years 2000-01.
“It is estimated that about 732 lakh people in India were users of alcohol and drugs of which 87 lakh used cannabis, 20 lakh used opiates and 625 lakh were users of alcohol,” he said.
“Thereafter, no national survey on drug abuse has been conducted,” he added.
In most developed countries, nation-wide surveys pertaining to drug abuse are conducted once every one to five years.
Ahir said that in 2016, the drug law enforcement agencies in India had seized 46,873.052 kg of Methaqualone and arrested 20 persons, including 8 foreign nationals, which was indicative of the demand of drugs in India.
Just last week, 50 kg of hash was recovered from Thane and three persons were arrested in connection with supplying the banned substance.
This report has been covered in a shortened or ‘Snippet’ format to ensure the most important piece of information is relayed in the shortest possible time. If the story develops further or more relevant information becomes available, we will expand it into a full length article.
