Mangaluru: Despite intensified enforcement and awareness campaigns, narcotic substances continue to be available on college campuses in the city, with drug peddlers increasingly dealing in small quantities to evade stringent provisions of the law, Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said on Thursday.

Addressing a programme organised to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the Kudmul Rangarao Town Hall, the Commissioner said colleges have a greater responsibility in ensuring that campuses remain free of drugs.

Drug availability on campuses remains a concern

Mangaluru police have been conducting screenings and awareness programmes in educational institutions to curb substance abuse among students. According to the Commissioner, the number of students testing positive for drug consumption during campus screenings has come down compared to previous years.

However, he pointed out that the continued detection of positive cases indicates that narcotics are still finding their way onto campuses.

“This shows that drugs continue to be available on campuses. Colleges have a greater responsibility in fighting against drug abuse,” he said.

Mr. Reddy also expressed concern over resistance from some educational institutions and parents towards drug testing of students, stressing that cooperation from all stakeholders is essential to eliminate the menace.

Students and parents urged to remain vigilant

The Commissioner urged students to stay away from narcotic substances and encouraged them to report instances of drug abuse and peddling to the police by scanning QR codes available on the Mangaluru City Police’s social media platforms.

He also called upon parents to closely monitor the behaviour and academic performance of their children.

“If there is any deviation in behaviour or marks, parents should report it to the institution or to the police,” he said.

The Commissioner expressed confidence that coordinated efforts by students, parents and educational institutions could make campuses drug-free within the next two years.

“Small incremental steps by students, parents and institutions will make campuses free from drugs in another two years,” he added.

QR code complaints leading to action

Mangaluru City Police receive nearly 20 reports related to drug abuse every week through QR code-based complaints. Of these, around 10 complaints result in the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs).

Mr. Reddy said nearly 20 parents had personally approached him and shown samples of drugs allegedly consumed by their children, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.

While helping young people overcome addiction through counselling and intervention, the police have also intensified action against drug suppliers.

On Thursday alone, five drug peddlers were arrested by the city police in separate operations.

Peddlers exploiting legal loopholes

The Commissioner noted that drug peddlers are increasingly supplying narcotics in small quantities to avoid attracting stringent provisions under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

However, he pointed out that legal provisions under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 provide for severe punishment when narcotics are supplied to minors.

A drug peddler found guilty of supplying narcotic substances to a minor can face imprisonment of up to seven years, he said.

“We are booking peddlers under this provision,” the Commissioner stated.

Major crackdown on drugs

Mangaluru police have significantly intensified their anti-drug operations over the past year.

According to official data, around 400 drug peddlers have been booked by the city police during the last one year. In addition, approximately 2,000 drug consumers were identified, though criminal cases were registered only against those found to be acutely addicted.

The Commissioner also highlighted the positive impact of rehabilitation and counselling efforts. In the last three months, around 100 individuals who had tested positive for drug consumption last year underwent fresh testing, and only 10 per cent of them tested positive again.

Police officers laud anti-drug initiatives

Deputy Commissioner of Police H. V. Darshan lauded the efforts of Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy and other officers for taking the fight against drugs to a new level.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) H. N. Mithun also addressed the gathering and reiterated the need for continued cooperation between educational institutions, parents and law enforcement agencies.

Police officials maintained that sustained awareness campaigns, strict enforcement and community participation would be crucial in eliminating drug abuse and making educational institutions safer for students.