Mangaluru: Continuing its campaign against drug abuse among young people, the Mangaluru City Police carried out a surprise drug testing drive targeting college students travelling on private and college buses in Kotekar Beeri and near Bunts Bhavan in Konaje. The operation resulted in one student testing positive for drug consumption, while the remaining students tested negative.
The special drive was conducted under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) and coordinated by the Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP) of the South and Central sub-divisions. Officials said the initiative forms part of the city’s ongoing efforts to discourage drug abuse among students and create awareness about the harmful effects of narcotics.
Surprise checks on buses
The operation was carried out between 4.30 pm and 6.00 pm, during which police teams intercepted private buses and college buses operating on the identified routes.
Students travelling on the buses were screened using multi-drug testing kits, allowing officers to detect the possible consumption of narcotic substances. Police selected Kotekar Beeri and the Bunts Bhavan area in Konaje as part of their regular surveillance and enforcement measures against drug abuse.
Officials said such surprise inspections are intended to act as both a preventive and deterrent measure while helping identify individuals who may require intervention and counselling.
One student tests positive at Kotekar
Within the jurisdiction of the Ullal Police Station, police teams conducted testing at Kotekar Beeri, where 72 students from several educational institutions underwent screening.
The students belonged to institutions including SDM College, Nitte KS Hegde Medical Academy, St Aloysius College, PA College, Bearys Institute of Technology, Tippu Sultan College and Canara College.
Out of the 72 students tested, 71 returned negative results, while one student tested positive for drug consumption.
Police did not disclose the identity of the student or the substance detected, stating that further procedures would be carried out in accordance with the law.
All students test negative in Konaje
A similar drive was simultaneously conducted within the limits of the Konaje Police Station.
Police intercepted two PA College buses near Bunts Bhavan and screened 87 students using the same multi-drug testing kits.
Officials confirmed that all 87 students tested negative, describing the outcome as encouraging and reflective of growing awareness among students about the dangers of substance abuse.
The Konaje operation concluded without any positive cases being reported.
Police see encouraging trend
Police officials said the latest results indicate a declining trend in drug consumption among students, with only one positive case detected during the entire operation.
While describing the findings as encouraging, officers cautioned that continued vigilance remains essential. They stressed that drug abuse continues to be a serious concern and that sustained enforcement, awareness campaigns and cooperation from educational institutions are necessary to eliminate the problem.
Officials added that surprise inspections will continue in different parts of the city as part of the police department’s anti-drug strategy.
Counselling for student who tested positive
Police said the student who tested positive will be referred for professional counselling after the completion of the required legal formalities.
Authorities will also undertake further follow-up action in accordance with established procedures. The focus, police said, is not only on enforcement but also on rehabilitation and preventing young people from falling into substance abuse.
The Mangaluru City Police have been conducting regular awareness programmes, inspections and enforcement drives in collaboration with educational institutions to create a drug-free environment for students. Officials have urged parents, teachers and the public to cooperate by reporting any information related to drug abuse or trafficking.