The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, which is meant to deter drug traffickers and peddlers, has been blatantly and arbitrarily used to punish addicts. This highlights the failure of the state machinery to implement the NDPS Act. The Act criminalises production, trafficking and use of drugs. It sheds light on whether harsh punishments can lower crime rates, and whether drug addicts are being effectively rehabilitated into society under the NDPS Act. But it seems that deterrence by harsh punishments has consistently failed, especially in the context of the NDPS Act. Drug addiction is like a curse and until it is broken, its victim will perpetually remain in the shackles of bondage. The government should do enough to tackle the nexus between the powerful drug mafia and corrupt policemen. There should be a concerted action plan to combat the drugs menace.
