The Supreme Court expressed concern on Monday about the growing issue of illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse in the country. It emphasized the importance of focusing on rehabilitating young people affected by these issues rather than stigmatizing them.

A bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice N Kotiswar Singh stated that drug abuse should not be viewed as a taboo. They emphasized the need for an open discussion to effectively address and tackle the issue.

"We note our disquiet regarding substance abuse in India. Profits are being used to support terrorism and leading to violence. Academic pressure and family disturbances are also leading to the same, which is leading to long-term social and economic instability. Peer pressure, stress from academics and easy availability of drugs is a trigger and adolescents are also using it as emotional escapism," the bench said.

"The youth must not follow those who resort to drug abuse and victims of substance abuse are not only limited to the downtrodden but cuts across economic barriers. We need not demonise the ones who have resorted to it but rehabilitate the individuals and make them constructive citizens," it added.

The observation was made as the bench delivered its judgment on a bail plea filed by a man accused in a case involving the smuggling of 500 kilograms of heroin from Pakistan to India.