Sporadic anti-drug campaigns are of little help: daily efforts in schools are essential to instill hatred of narcotics and psychotropic drugs in young people

Tarun Karthick

Port Blair, September 9, 2024

The growing threat of narcotics and psychotropic substances is fast penetrating even the remote Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, raising alarm across the region. Despite their isolated location, the islands are dangerously close to a major maritime drug trafficking route that starts in Myanmar and winds its way through Southeast Asia, reaching countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

The notorious “Golden Triangle” – where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet – has long been a centre for the production of synthetic drugs, particularly methamphetamine and, more recently, ketamine. In 2023, Myanmar overtook Afghanistan as the world's largest opium producer after the Taliban banned poppy cultivation. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands' proximity to this region poses significant risks, and the consequences are becoming increasingly clear.

In recent years, the Union Territory has witnessed a rise in the use of narcotics and psychotropic substances. While cannabis (ganja) and the occasional use of charas have been relatively common, increasingly more dangerous drugs have been washing up on the islands' beaches – a stark reminder of the larger crisis brewing nearby.

Since 2019, authorities have seized significant quantities of drugs each year, but the problem persists, suggesting that more needs to be done beyond law enforcement. A key starting point for tackling this problem lies in the education system, particularly in getting young people to reject these harmful substances.

The fight against drugs must begin in primary school, where consistent, daily efforts are needed to develop a deep-rooted aversion to narcotics and psychotropic drugs. The idea is simple but effective: integrate anti-drug messages into daily school assemblies, where children are shown stories, sketches, posters, banners and documentaries highlighting the dangers of drug use and the risks associated with alcohol and tobacco consumption.

By adopting such a methodology, the education system can play a critical role in protecting future generations from the escalating drug scourge. Narratives that emphasize the devastating effects of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco—consistently from a young age—can help suppress the curiosity that often leads to experimentation. In addition, these efforts can dismantle the glorification of drug abuse perpetuated by the entertainment industry.

In conclusion, sporadic anti-drug campaigns, while valid, are not enough to combat the growing crisis. What is needed now is a sustained, daily effort in schools to build a culture of rejection of narcotics and psychotropic drugs. Only then can Andaman and Nicobar Islands hope to save their youth from the destructive path of drug abuse.