Drug trade cannot survive without police support, says Gulab Chand Kataria

Chandigarh – A special session of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation convened on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking brought a stark reminder of the intertwined relationship between law enforcement and the illicit drug market.

Gulab Chand Kataria, speaking during the session, said the illegal narcotics trade “cannot survive even 10 days without the support of police and administration.” His remarks underscored the view that drug trafficking networks rely heavily on coordinated police action and administrative facilitation to function.

The municipal gathering, marked by a ceremonial observance of the global day, provided a platform for Kataria to address the persistence of drug-related challenges in the region. By highlighting the ten‑day threshold, he indicated that without swift police intervention and administrative oversight, the trade would quickly collapse, even if other supply chain elements remained intact.

Police presence, Kataria noted, acts as a deterrent and a disruptor of the logistical pathways that sustain illicit commerce. Administrative support, he added, ensures that regulatory mechanisms, including licensing, inspections, and coordinated crackdowns, are effectively implemented. Together, these forces create a barrier that, according to his assessment, is indispensable for the survival of the drug trade.

Historically, law enforcement agencies have played a pivotal role in curbing the flow of illegal substances, while administrative bodies have contributed through policy enforcement and resource allocation. The statement aligns with broader observations that the synergy between these two spheres is critical for any meaningful reduction in drug abuse incidents.

During the session, Kataria also referenced the broader public health implications of drug trafficking, suggesting that the absence of robust police and administrative backing could exacerbate community vulnerability. He emphasized that sustained efforts to dismantle trafficking networks require consistent police vigilance and administrative responsiveness.

The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, in organizing the event, reiterated its commitment to collaborating with police forces to combat drug abuse. The special session also provided an opportunity for local officials to outline ongoing public awareness campaigns and the role of community participation in reporting suspicious activities.

Kataria’s observation that the drug trade cannot endure beyond ten days without police and administrative support reflects a pragmatic assessment of the operational realities faced by traffickers. It also signals a recognition that targeted actions by these institutions can have an immediate impact on the viability of illegal drug markets.

Overall, the statement by Kataria highlights the necessity of a unified approach, where police operations and administrative measures work in tandem to undermine the economic foundations of the illegal drug trade.

Source: Hindustan Times