Drug abuse in Kerala increases after closure of bars: HM

July 29, 2015 21:21

There has been a three-fold increase in drug consumption in the state after the closure bars as part of the government's new liquor policy, Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala informed the state assembly.

Taking a serious note of the increasing abuse of psychotropic substances among youngsters, he said government has decided to regulate sale of such stuff through medical shops, he said.

"The consumption of drugs has increased three-fold after the closure of bars in the state. Those who use whitner, cough syrup and bicycle-tube-solutions as drugs are on the rise," the minister said, replying to a question raised by K S Saleekha of CPI(M).

"Of the total 234 psychotropic substances, 228 are freely available in medical stores. Considering its wide consumption especially by youngsters, the government has given strict direction to regulate its sale," Chennithala said.

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