Drug problem in Punjab a reality: Jaitley

Amritsar: Raising concern over the issue of increasing drug abuse in Punjab, BJP candidate Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said it was a reality in the state and blamed the Centre for not providing proper vigilance along the international border to curb smuggling of narcotics.

The BJP stalwart, who is fighting the poll battle from Amritsar against Congress` Amarinder Singh, said, "It is a reality that drug issue exists in the state". He said the reason behind it is absence of vigilance along the international border. "The Centre is responsible for the vigilance along the IB." Jaitley cited increasing unemployment among youth another reason for the drug problem. He was addressing a press conference here along with Punjab Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia On the role of Punjab police in controlling drug trafficking, he said, "Local police`s role is only to extend support to stop such activities, whereas the principal responsibility lies with the Narcotic Control Bureau." On seizure of synthetic drugs from Punjab in the recent past, Jaitley said, "Yes it (synthetic drug) is being manufactured in Punjab". Majithia, however, said, "Punjab police have busted the synthetic drug racket ...Synthetic drug was being manufactured in the neighboring state of Himachal Pradesh which is being led by Congress.