Mangaluru: In a proactive move to address the growing drug menace among youth, several colleges in Mangaluru have voluntarily begun conducting random blood tests on students to detect narcotics consumption.
The initiative follows an appeal by the Mangaluru City Police, who emphasised prevention and early intervention rather than punitive action. Over the past three months, 1,211 students across 40 colleges underwent random drug testing. Of these, 10 students tested positive for narcotic substances.
Significantly, no criminal cases were filed against them. Instead, the affected students were referred for counselling. Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy explained that the approach not only helped provide support to the students but also enabled the police to trace and arrest drug peddlers supplying the substances.
Low-profile police involvement encourages cooperation
To avoid any stigma and to build trust, police officers did not directly participate in the testing process. They remained on campus in plain clothes, offering support if required but keeping a low profile.
This method, officials said, encouraged greater cooperation from both institutions and students, ensuring that the initiative was seen as supportive rather than punitive. The police have highlighted this as a model for other cities dealing with similar challenges.
QR code system boosts anonymous reporting
Alongside the testing initiative, the Mangaluru City Police introduced a QR code system to gather anonymous tips on drug users and peddlers. Displayed prominently in all participating colleges, the QR codes allow students to share information confidentially.
Commissioner Reddy noted that the system had received an unexpectedly high response. “We are getting more response than anticipated,” he said.
Several NGOs are working with the police to process these tips while ensuring informants’ anonymity, strengthening trust and community participation in the campaign.
Random checks in public places show results
In addition to college-based testing, the police conducted more than 600 random drug tests in public places over the past three months. Many individuals tested positive, but officials observed a noticeable decline in the proportion of positive cases since the checks began.
Describing this as a “positive sign,” Commissioner Reddy said the trend indicates that deterrent measures are beginning to influence behaviour.
Expanding the initiative across all colleges
Currently, out of 113 colleges within Mangaluru City Police limits, only 40 have adopted the random testing initiative. Police officials plan to review the progress every three months and continue urging more institutions to join the effort.
Commissioner Reddy stressed that community involvement was critical. He called upon students, educational institutions, and citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity through the channels now in place.
Conclusion: A preventive approach to a growing problem
The Mangaluru model of tackling drug use among students highlights the value of preventive measures, discreet policing, and community collaboration. By prioritising counselling over punishment and using innovative tools such as QR codes for anonymous reporting, the city has taken a forward-looking approach to curbing the drug menace.
Officials believe that with wider adoption across all colleges and sustained public cooperation, the initiative could significantly reduce drug usage among youth and serve as an example for other regions in India.