Doctors and psychologists say that the use of psychotropic drugs has been steadily increasing in the state. As per Dr BP Mishra, associate professor at the department of psychiatry, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, drug addicts using habit-forming drugs is higher among all kinds of drug addicts using other category of drugs that include Hashish, Marijuana, Heroin or cocaine.

“The use of these drugs because of their easy availability - as chemists provide them over the counter, without medical prescription - is higher and is also increasing among teenagers,” observed Dr Mishra.

Talking about those involved in the supply chain, GS Chawla, general secretary of the Wholesale Chemists Association of Ludhiana said there are some people in the market spoiling the name of chemists.

“Though there is only a small percentage of such dealers who are involved in illegal storage and supplying of drugs,” he said.

He added the association has been acting stringently in case of such chemists and has also advised other members to dissuade from such practice. “We have released a circular to our members to ensure sale and purchase records of the medicines and get the unlicensed stores licensed.”

Sanjeev Garg, district drug inspector in Amritsar, who was part of the team that raided the shop and two unlicensed godowns of wholesale chemist Pawan Kumar, said, “It is not hard to imagine that such dealers have a proper network and cater to people all across the state.”

State drug controller Bhag Singh also held the view that this was a part of the drug mafia operating in the state. “We have been conducting raids on such dealers every now and then and have been able to tighten the noose around those promoting misuse of habit-forming drugs.”

518 raids conducted