A drug de-addiction centre in Imphal has in fact been operating as a drug den for the monetary gains of the officials and other employees of the centre run under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. This startling disclosure was made in a press release issued by the All Manipur Anti Drug Association (AMADA).
The press release issued by Meghachandra Konjengbam, secretary of the AMADA, said that its activists raided New Life De-addiction Centre located at Sagaiprou in Imphal West district. Many reports were received to the effect that the officials of the centre were in fact supplying various drugs to the inmates. The drug addicts had been lodged there by their parents by pawning gold ornaments and other valuables in the hope that their children would be cured.
During the raid, the AMADA activists found that most of the inmates were under the influence of drugs. Some counsellors who were lecturing to the inmates in the special classes were found to be under the influence of drugs. One cook who was preparing lunch was also under the influence of drug. Even the project director of the centre was involved in the racket. He had reportedly confessed of his involvement to the AMADA activists.
The project director and his staff had belied the hopes of the parents who longed to see the day when their drug addict children would be discharged as cured. The release said that there had been occasions when the AMADA had to lodge complaints with the Ministry since the performances of some centres were below the mark. Some of the centres were locked out for two months as a punishment. The AMADA has been appealing to the centres to work sincerely.
The AMADA will pay special attention to the mushrooming of dubious rehabilitation centres since their objective seems to earn money taking undue advantage of the burgeoning drug addiction.