Report unveils alarming surge in crystal ice use among Lahore’s youth

LAHORE: The drug epidemic in Lahore witnessed a significant surge in 2023, claiming the lives of at least 559 individuals on the streets, in gardens, and on footpaths, according to the Dissemination of Annual Report 2023 on Addiction in Lahore compiled by the Drug Advisory Training Hub (DATH).

The report highlights a notable increase in drug usage among both men and women, with ice meth emerging as the popular choice among youth throughout the year.

The Anti-Drugs/Narcotics Campaign, led by Consultant Syed Zulfiqar Hussain, Secretary Adeel Rashid, Mohsin Zulfiqar, and others, presented the findings.

During the report presentation, Syed Zulfiqar Hussain emphasised that a concerning 40 percent surge in drug demand among the youth was facilitated through platforms like WhatsApp groups, online channels, and mobile applications.

Crystal Ice, a form of methamphetamine, maintained its status as the preferred drug among the younger demographic.

The report revealed that despite efforts, the consumption of various drugs, including Crystal Ice, ecstasy, LSD tablets, heroin, Naswar, E-cigarettes, cigarettes, and hash, remained prevalent in 2023. A staggering 20,000 injections were reportedly sold on the streets of Lahore daily.

Tragically, at least 559 homeless and unidentified drug addicts lost their lives in the city during the year.

Syed Zulfiqar Hussain underscored the alarming situation in Lahore, the capital city and cultural hub of Punjab, with a population of approximately 13 million.

Despite being the second-largest city in Pakistan after Karachi, Lahore grapples with the rampant sale of drugs and narcotics. Over 110 areas in the city have become hotspots for drug addiction, with addicts injecting substances without fear.

According to The News, notable drug-infested areas include Roshani Gate, Taxali Gate, Masti Gate, Data Darbar, Ali Park, Royal Park, Sabza Zar, Tokhar Niaz Baig, Lal Pul, Mughalpura, Dharampura, Kot Lakhpat, Badami Bagh, Data Nagar, Shahdara, Imamia Colony, Wahdat Road, Lakshmi Chowk, Khana Main Road, Nisbat Road, Railway Station, General Bus Stand areas, Muslim Town Mor, Ghari Shahu Road, Ganga Ram Chowk, Regal Chowk, Chauburji, and Yateem Khan Chowk.

In a sobering revelation, Syed Zulfiqar Hussain addressed the social consequences of the drug epidemic, citing the dissolution of marriages as a significant issue in 2023.

A staggering 6,096 women sought divorce through Khula in 274 Union Councils of Lahore District, attributing their decision to issues such as having a drug-addicted husband, violence against women, and other related concerns.

The report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address and curb the escalating drug crisis in Lahore.

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