Drug addicts in Punjab are gradually getting attracted to pharmaceutical drug concoctions following stepped-up clamp down on peddling of traditional narcotics. This was reveled during the review meeting in New Delhi on working of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) which was chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. <br/><br/>NCB Director General Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar apprised Mr. Singh of the changing drug abuse pattern in Punjab and stressed that the increase in street price of opiates are making addicts shift to pharmaceutical preparations like Tramadol and Buprenorphene. He informed that the NCB has taken various steps to tackle the drug menace in the state. <br/><br/>The BSF has augmented manpower at border areas and increased its vigil by deploying improved technical aids. The Punjab Police has also established a State Narcotic Control Bureau and an apex committee under the Chief Minister has been set up for tackling the problem. <br/><br/>During the meeting, Mr Singh asked the agencies to ensure that all necessary steps be taken to further improve the situation. Mr Bhatnagar made a presentation on the functioning of NCB,general drug scenario in the country and the ways and means for strengthening the drug law enforcement machinery. He apprised Mr. Singh that apart from traditional drugs like heroin and cannabis, newer drugs which are synthetic in nature are also entering the market.