CHENNAI: Former chief minister O Panneerselvam on Tuesday accused the ruling DMK of turning Tamil Nadu into a ‘drug hub’, claiming that narcotics seizures reported frequently across the State reflect a failure in enforcement and surveillance.

In a statement, Panneerselvam said drug peddlers consider Tamil Nadu a safe destination to carry out their illegal trade as the government has not intensified monitoring to curb smuggling networks. He alleged that instead of ensuring quality education, employment opportunities and adequate healthcare for the youth, the government has pushed the State into a drug-centric culture.

He further claimed that the menace of narcotics has doubled since the DMK assumed office. Referring to the recent Tiruttani incident, in which a youth from Odisha was brutally attacked allegedly by a group of youngsters under the influence of ganja, Panneerselvam said the episode exposed how Tamil Nadu is trapped in the grip of drugs.

He urged the government to wake up to the rise in narcotic cases and take firm steps to protect the future generation from addiction and criminal influence.