Bengaluru: Vijayanagar subdivision police conducted drug detection checks in six educational institutions and two hostels on Wednesday as part of the ‘Sanmitra’ initiative, identifying 31 students who tested positive for drug consumption during the screening process.
The operation was carried out with the consent of management authorities and in collaboration with medical professionals from nearby hospitals. Doctors and technicians collected samples from more than 1,200 students during the drive. Out of these, 585 samples were randomly selected for testing.
According to police officials, 31 of the tested samples returned positive results for drug consumption. Authorities emphasised that the exercise was part of a preventive approach aimed at addressing the rising concern of substance abuse among youth.
Sanmitra initiative focuses on prevention
The anti-drug checks were conducted under the ‘Sanmitra’ initiative launched by the Karnataka Police to tackle the growing problem of drug addiction among students and young people.
The initiative focuses on early detection, prevention and rehabilitation rather than punitive action. Police officials said the programme is designed to identify drug use among students at an early stage and provide them with appropriate counselling and medical support.
Under the Sanmitra initiative, police work closely with educational institutions, healthcare professionals and parents to ensure that students receive the necessary guidance to overcome addiction.
Officials believe that community participation and early intervention are essential to building a drug-free society.
Medical teams assist in testing
As part of the drive, medical teams from nearby hospitals assisted the police in collecting and testing the samples.
Students voluntarily provided samples after the consent of college and hostel management authorities was obtained. The testing process was carried out following medical protocols to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Police officials said the decision to test only a random set of samples was taken as part of a standard screening procedure.
The results revealed that a small but concerning number of students had consumed drugs, prompting authorities to initiate further intervention measures.
Counselling and rehabilitation support
Students who tested positive will not face immediate legal action. Instead, they will be offered counselling sessions by mental health professionals and provided with medical support if necessary.
A senior police officer said the focus of the initiative is to help students overcome substance dependence and prevent long-term addiction.
Under the Sanmitra programme, each student identified as consuming drugs will be assigned dedicated police personnel who will guide them through the rehabilitation process.
These officers will work in coordination with counsellors, doctors and family members to monitor the students’ progress and ensure they receive the support required to recover.
Confidentiality of students assured
Police authorities stressed that strict confidentiality will be maintained regarding the identities of the students who tested positive.
Officials assured that the names and personal details of the students, as well as information about their families, will not be disclosed.
The measure aims to ensure that students receive help without facing social stigma or discrimination.
According to police sources, protecting students’ privacy is a crucial component of the Sanmitra initiative as it encourages institutions and families to cooperate with authorities in addressing drug abuse.
Rising concern over youth drug addiction
Drug abuse among students has increasingly become a concern for law enforcement agencies and educational institutions across the state.
Police officials said initiatives like Sanmitra are necessary to tackle the problem at an early stage through awareness campaigns, screenings and rehabilitation support.
Apart from testing drives, the initiative also includes awareness programmes in schools and colleges, counselling sessions and community engagement activities aimed at educating young people about the dangers of drug consumption.
Authorities believe that preventive interventions and support systems are more effective in addressing addiction among students than punitive measures alone.
Conclusion
The recent screening drive conducted by Vijayanagar subdivision police highlights the growing emphasis on preventive policing and rehabilitation in addressing drug abuse among youth.
By combining medical screening, counselling and police supervision under the Sanmitra initiative, authorities aim to help affected students recover while also raising awareness about the risks of drug consumption.
Officials said similar drives may be conducted in other educational institutions in the future as part of ongoing efforts to create a safer and drug-free environment for students.