DCW notice to police over illicit drug trade in Ghazipur

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 28

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has issued a notice to the police seeking a report after 100 women complained to the panel about “illegal” drug and liquor trade in their slum in Ghazipur.

The local women have pointed out that the illicit trade has made the area unsafe for girls and women who choose not to venture out after dusk while men and children are becoming more vulnerable to substance abuse and addiction.

They have asked the panel to take appropriate action.

The issue was flagged during a meeting of the Mahila Panchayat, organised by the DCW, when women from the Gazipur slum cluster complained about the problems they face due to rampant drugs and illicit liquor business.

“Around 100 women gave written complaints against this problem and asked for a solution. They also came up with several problems they face at a community level,” said an official.

In the meeting, DCW member Sarika Chaudhary was told by around 300 women in the Gazipur Dairy Farm slum cluster that people from nearby areas come to buy drugs like opium, marijuana, hashish, etc that are easily available in the area.

“They raised an issue about how the business of drugs and illicit liquor was openly flourishing in the area. They buy drugs and liquor, which they consume near the shops,” said the official.

The commission regularly organises such meetings in various districts to listen to women’s problems at the grassroots level, under its mahila panchayat programme.

DCW Chairperson Swati Jaihind said the police should take stringent action against this open sale of drugs and illicit liquor while asserting the commission will take all necessary steps to tackle the issue.