The Supreme Court of India raised concern over the consumption of drugs among India’s youth and cited that it has become a “cool” symbol. The observation came when a bench of justices, BV Nagarathna and N. Kotiswar Singh, were hearing a case registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against Ankush Vipan Kappor, who was accused of smuggling heroin from Pakistan to India.

While calling for immediate and collective action from parents, society, and authorities, the apex court highlighted that drug consumption can affect psychological health and harm socio-economic structures.

The court noted that money generated from drug smuggling often funds terrorism and violence. It also pointed to the connection between rising drug consumption and academic stress, as well as cultural influences.

The roles of parents and educational institutions are critical in reducing drug abuse. “The most important yearning of adolescents is love and affection from parents,” stated Justice Nagarathna.

The court further observed that victims of drug abuse should be treated with empathy. “This is the need of the hour—to create constructive citizens and to cut off the profit supply of drug traffickers,” the court emphasized, adding that “drug abuse cannot be treated as a taboo.”

The Supreme Court upheld the NIA investigation into Kapoor’s alleged involvement in heroin smuggling.

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