Shillong, Jul 31: Actor John Abraham today said that effectively tackling the drug menace requires addressing the issue at its roots, asserting that efforts on the ground would remain limited unless the alleged political nexus behind the drug trade is dismantled.
Responding to a question on how the drug problem in Meghalaya can be addressed, Abraham said the current approach amounts to “firefighting” rather than resolving the underlying causes.
“You can address this issue from the top, actually. What we’re doing is firefighting right now. Until there is no political nexus, until there are no big men involved in this, you can never solve the problem. But we are firefighting and we’re doing the best we can,” he said.
The actor stressed that eliminating the influence of powerful individuals allegedly linked to the drug trade is crucial for any long-term solution.
Reiterating his stand against substance abuse, John said, “I believe in no drugs and a country free of drugs.”
Abraham was speaking in Shillong after attending an anti-drug awareness programme organised by the Social Welfare Department, where he encouraged young people to stay away from drugs and support efforts to build a drug-free society.
