In a recent exchange of remarks, Tamil Nadu Law Minister S. Regupathy has accused Gujarat of being the “drug capital” of India. This statement comes in response to Governor R.N. Ravi’s criticisms regarding the DMK government’s handling of synthetic drug infiltration in Tamil Nadu. Regupathy’s comments highlight the escalating tensions between state officials and the Governor over drug-related issues and law enforcement efficacy.
Governor Ravi had questioned the effectiveness of Tamil Nadu police in seizing drugs, noting, “Three years down the line, I’ve come across a lot of news of plenty of seizures of ganja. How come central agencies are able to seize hundreds of kilos of synthetic and chemical drugs whereas our state agencies are not able to seize even 1 gram?” His comments implied a lack of action from the state government in addressing the drug crisis.
In response, Regupathy condemned the Governor’s remarks, accusing him of making statements without a grasp of the facts. He questioned why the Governor chose not to address the drug issues reportedly prevalent in Gujarat, a state that has been described as a hub for drug-related activities. Regupathy stated, “Why isn’t the Governor speaking about the BJP men involved in drug-related cases across India? Why is he speaking about the drug capital Gujarat?”
Regupathy further challenged Governor Ravi’s authority to critique the state’s efforts, pointing out that he had withheld permission for over a year to register drug-related cases against former AIADMK ministers. This move raised questions about the Governor’s impartiality and intentions.
The minister asserted that a comprehensive drug policy was only established after the DMK government, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, took power. He stated, “A policy against drugs was launched in the state only after the DMK government came to power,” emphasising the proactive steps taken by the current administration in combating drug abuse and trafficking.
Regupathy provided specific statistics to counter the Governor’s claims, detailing the government’s efforts in 2023. He noted that a total of 10,256 cases were filed against 14,770 individuals, resulting in significant drug seizures, including:
- 23,364 kilos of ganja
- 0.953 kilos of heroin
- 39,910 pills of various substances
- 1,230 kilos of ganja chocolate
- Other drug varieties, including methamphetamine
He added that until August of the current year, 9,750 accused individuals had been arrested, and 6,053 cases had been registered, with substantial quantities of drugs confiscated.
The ongoing debate surrounding drug enforcement in Tamil Nadu highlights the complex interplay between state and central authorities. Regupathy’s assertions aim to clarify the state’s commitment to addressing drug-related issues while challenging the Governor’s narratives. As both sides continue to clash over these significant issues, the focus remains on the effectiveness of drug policies and law enforcement in tackling the growing drug crisis in India.