Mangaluru: In a proactive move against rising drug abuse among youth, Mangaluru City Police, in collaboration with NSS, Rotary Club of Mangalore, NITTE Institute of Architecture, and NCORD, organized a drug awareness and orientation session at Townhall on Monday. The initiative aimed to empower college-level anti-drug committees.
Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy revealed alarming statistics: over 500 students were found using drugs last year, with 150 still actively consuming. Of the 150 colleges urged to create anti-drug panels, 107 complied and 43 declared themselves drug-free. “But what does ‘drug-free’ really mean if usage continues?” he questioned.
He emphasized colleges should take responsibility. “We don’t want to disrupt campuses unless necessary. If institutions remain inactive, we will be forced to step in,” he warned.
Sharing insights from a prison visit, he noted some inmates began using drugs out of curiosity but later became habitual users and even suppliers. He urged students to choose change early, “A single decision can transform your future. Delay, and jail might be next.”
Reddy advised colleges to monitor student behavior—frequent absenteeism, new friend circles, odd eating habits, or staying up late can be red flags. He also encouraged vigilance over alumni and anonymous reporting via QR code.
SP Dr Arun K insisted that awareness must lead to action. “Ignoring or hiding drug issues weakens the system,” he said. He advocated for random drug screenings, parental undertakings, and reporting all cases—even first-time offenses.
Deputy Commissioner Darshan echoed these views, urging surprise checks and full cooperation to curb the growing threat.