Alleging that drug culture had taken deep roots in Tamil Nadu over the past few years, Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar on Thursday (June 18, 2026) said the previous government had failed to take constructive action to curb the menace.

“The primary cause of the breakdown of law and order in Tamil Nadu has been the widespread availability of drugs. This government will work diligently to create a drug-free Tamil Nadu. To this end, the government has ordered the formation of a Special Drug Prevention Force in every district. It is taking all necessary measures to completely eradicate the movement and sale of drugs,” he said in his customary address to the Assembly, which began with the rendering of Tamil Thai Vaazhthu.

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Before entering the House, members of the DMK, the principal Opposition party, raised slogans urging Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to break his silence on the “poor” law-and-order situation in the State.

TASMAC closures

The Governor said the government was deeply concerned about public welfare and had closed 717 retail liquor outlets located within 500 metres of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands soon after assuming office.

“Stringent rules will be framed and enforced to completely eradicate the movement of illicit liquor and the illegal sale of liquor, while ensuring tighter regulation of the sector. Through these measures, malpractices in excise administration and liquor distribution will be curbed, and the socio-economic environment of the State will be restored,” he said.