Drug induced 'bad trip' can lead to suicides: Former NCB zonal director Sameer Wankhede at youth event

NAVI MUMBAI: Former NCB zonal director Sameer Wankhede, who is still widely associated with anti-drug campaigns, was seen in Vashi on Saturday addressing youngsters on how to avoid falling into the narcotics trap. A local group of students and activists was also launched to help the police in tackling drug-related crimes. Speaking at the event, Wankhede said that during his tenure at the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and earlier as a senior officer at the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), he had observed that hydroponic weed, MD crystals and LSD were among the most commonly used drugs in the Navi Mumbai region. While elaborating on the sensitive issue and avoiding references to his controversial run-ins with Bollywood personalities, Wankhede said, “Consumption of narcotic substances is also a crime, apart from peddling them.” Sharing his experience as a law enforcement officer, he said, “Most youngsters get into drugs due to peer pressure, so that they are not labelled as ‘uncool’. This is how the misadventure begins. Many youths experience either a ‘good trip’ or a ‘bad trip’ due to drugs, and a bad trip can even lead to suicide as drugs play havoc with the mind.” Activist Madhu Shankar, brand ambassador of the Sajjan Shakti group that organised the event, said, “Sameer Wankhede gave a very clear picture of how devastating drugs can be if youngsters fall into it because of peer pressure. He is keen on encouraging public participation to fight the growing menace of substance abuse and related narco-terrorism.” Several social activists and young achievers were honoured during the event. “Instead of becoming drug addicts, youngsters should work hard to build a career, dedicate the first five years of their professional life to the nation and serve the people,” Wankhede said. Activist B N Kumar of the NatConnect Foundation said parents should avoid getting into a “blame game” and instead focus on helping their children if they fall into the trap of drug abuse.