Mangaluru: In a significant move to combat drug abuse, Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP announced the establishment of 528 anti-drug cells in educational institutions across Dakshina Kannada. This initiative aims to facilitate early detection and support for students struggling with addiction. The announcement was made during the ‘Towards a Drug-Free India’ programme held at St Aloysius PU College on Thursday.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) initiated a fortnight-long campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking from June 12 to 26. The programme was organized in collaboration with the district administration, police and customs departments, and the Indian Coast Guard. The DC emphasized the crucial role of educational institutions in this effort. Each anti-drug cell, chaired by the respective college principal, will include a dedicated counsellor to provide support to students.
“A system has been put in place where students can approach the counsellor for help and receive confidential counselling to escape the vicious cycle of drug abuse. The students have a pivotal role in preventing drug consumption and abuse within the district,” he said. “Drug consumption is a symptom of underlying mental health issues. An educated person demonstrates socially acceptable and responsible behaviour. Students should not fall into the trap of drug abuse. All stakeholders are working together to disrupt the supply chain of drugs. When there is an increase in the demand for drugs, the availability becomes easy. It’s a matter of concern that substance abuse begins at an early age with sniffing whiteners to drug consumption. Counselling wings in schools are the need of the hour,” he added.
City police commissioner Anupam Agrawal urged students to report any instances of drug peddling or consumption to the police. He highlighted that nine out of ten drug users begin abusing substances before the age of 18. In the past six months, city police have arrested 500 individuals under the NDPS Act, with 400 of them being consumers. “Prevention is the best solution to the drug menace. Self-control is essential,” he noted.
P Vinitha Sekhar, commissioner of customs at Mangaluru Customs Commissionerate, described drug abuse as a pressing social issue. “Drug-free India should not be a mere slogan, but a necessity, especially since India is situated between the world’s two largest opium-producing regions—the Golden Triangle and the Golden Crescent,” she stated.
Indian Coast Guard Karnataka DIG PK Mishra encouraged students to be observant and inform the authorities regarding any drug-related activities.