It's a matter of great concern that many drug traders of Brahmanbaria, who surrendered to police in 2017, have reportedly gone back on their oath of leaving the illegal narcotics business. According to a report by this daily, several hundred drug traders surrendered to police at the time and pledged to return to normal life, but in the absence of proper monitoring and rehabilitative measures by the authorities, many went back to the alleys selling liquor, phensedyl, yaba and other drugs. Locals fear that this will further contribute to the proliferation of harmful substances, unless the traders are apprehended and put behind bars.

Reportedly, drug peddling in the bordering district has increased alarmingly, drawing more and more young people into the world of addiction and self-destruction. To stem the rot, the home ministry, as part of the government's so-called "war on drugs," had prepared a list of 1,151 drug traders in 2017. Top officials then said the government would try to ensure a better life for those who surrendered, and rehabilitate them, if necessary, along with the promises of "lesser punishment." Subsequently, 330 drug dealers surrendered to the police with the promise that they would not sell drugs anymore.

Our correspondent talked to an accused dealer who said it was difficult to leave the business in the absence of better livelihood options and support from the authorities. This partly explains why many of the drug traders who had surrendered, or were captured, have later gone back to their old profession. According to the local law enforcement sources, some unscrupulous people along with former drug dealers have created a strong network of drug trade, which makes it difficult for the police to penetrate. It's good to know that police are considering other strategies to bust the network. But effective measures are urgently needed, given how the narcotic business is mushrooming all over the country. For example, as per police data, 35,269 yaba pills were recovered in 2017. The number rose to 58,672 pills in 2018 and 61,553 in 2019. Although Covid-19 limited the activities in the last two years, 44,575 yaba pills were still recovered in 2020.

Therefore, a centralised policy, and better collaboration and follow-up, will be needed to address the situation. Substance abuse is a grave social problem worldwide. It leads to loss of money, family break-up, health complications, and even death. The best options for combating drug abuse are creating greater awareness in the communities, supervision at school and family levels, as well as sincerer efforts from the higher authorities. We urge the government to learn from its failed mission involving the drug traders in Brahmanbaria, and do the needful to rectify it.