Granules India, a leading vertically integrated pharmaceutical company, joined forces with the Central Bureau of Narcotics to spread impactful awareness against drug abuse on the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Contributing to the Bureau’s vision to create a drug-free society, Granules organized a series of engaging activities aimed at educating the public about the dangers of illicit drugs.

Granules India and the Central Bureau of Narcotics remain committed to raising awareness about the misuse of illicit drugs, highlighting the negative impact they have on individuals, families, communities, and nations as a whole. To actively engage the public, as a part of its on-going CSR initiative, Granules India in collaboration with Central Bureau of Narcotics organized several impactful activities at Sarath City Capital Mall, Hyderabad.

Murali Krishna, Superintendent, Central Bureau of Narcotics; speaking on the occasion said, Central Bureau of Narcotics is observing a week long awareness programs against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, as part of World Drug Day. Every year, Government of India issues poppy cultivation licenses to meet the national and international medicinal requirement, because India is the only country which produces illicit opium poppy. The license is issued by Central Bureau of Narcotics to address the needs of the pharmaceutical industry.

Narcotic drugs are both lifesaving and life threatening. Those producing these drugs without necessary licences will be prosecuted, possessing such illicit drugs is an offence and selling, purchasing, storing, possessing, importing, exporting and consuming can lead to strict punishment. Drug abuse is a scourge for the entire world. Several drug abuser and trafficker, including from film industry are being apprehended in Hyderabad.

The drug traffickers are also adopting newer modus operandi, they are smuggling through tyres, food packets etc., making it tough to detect. Narcotic drugs are habit forming drugs and once someone is addicted, its difficult break the habit and such persons will do anything to have them. Parents and college managements have to keep a watch and counsel their wards to prevent them from becoming victims of drug abuse.     

Dr Deephthi, Sr. Medical Officer, Granules India Limited; said, we all know of several celebs including Michael Jackson and Telugu actress Savithri dying of drug abuse, that’s how life threatening drug abuse is. The theme for this year’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is ‘People First: Ending Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthening Prevention.’ The stigma and discrimination associated with drug use can further harm the person’s physical and mental health and prevent them from seeking help. It is the responsibility of the society to help those who want to come out of this habit and lead a normal life. Addicted persons can have one or more associated problems, long term disorders like lung, heart diseases, stroke, cancer, mental health ailments etc. Drug addiction and HIV are intertwined epidemics; statistics indicate that those addicted are also often victims of AIDS. It is the collective responsibility of all of us to say no to drugs.

Through these initiatives, they aimed to foster a sense of responsibility and create awareness among individuals, families, and communities about the perils of drug abuse. By capturing the attention of local audiences, Granules India in collaboration with the Central Narcotics Bureau hoped to spark conversations and ignite positive change in society. 

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Krishna Chigurupati, Chairman and Managing Director of Granules India, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with the Central Bureau of Narcotics. He said, "As a responsible pharmaceutical company, Granules India recognizes the urgency of confronting the menace of drug abuse that plagues our society. By partnering with the esteemed Central Bureau of Narcotics, we aspire to leverage our vast resources and unwavering expertise to enlighten people about the pernicious consequences of drug misuse. Together, we can forge a society that values well-being, triumphs over addiction, and nurtures the seeds of a prosperous future."

"We stand united on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, sending a resounding message to build a drug-free society through unwavering awareness. A healthy life stems from a healthy mind, and we must comprehend the myriad afflictions caused by narcotic drugs. The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) is determined to guide you on these serious matters. Therefore, I respectfully request all of you to dispel misconceptions surrounding drugs and actively engage in evidence-based treatment and care for the betterment of public health. Let us make a solemn resolution to choose life over drugs in every circumstance and all together fight against drugs and build a drug-free sensitive society." said Shree Dinesh Boudh, Narcotics Commissioner of India, Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN).

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking serves as a powerful reminder for individuals, families, and nations to stand united against the pervasive spread of drug abuse. Granules India's sponsorship of this awareness campaign demonstrates their commitment to combatting this global challenge and nurturing a drug-free sensitive society.

Join Granules India and the Central Bureau of Narcotics in their efforts to eradicate drug abuse from our communities. Together, let us build a brighter future, free from the shadows of addiction.