Konaje: In a continued push to make Mangaluru drug-free and to ensure educational institutions remain safe and healthy spaces for students, the city police on Friday carried out a large-scale anti-drug screening drive across colleges in the Konaje and Ullal areas. The drive involved screening students and conducting on-the-spot drug tests as part of a broader campaign to curb substance abuse among youth.

The operation was conducted by teams from the Konaje and Ullal police stations, who stopped college buses and private buses carrying students from various higher education institutions and carried out systematic checks. The initiative forms part of the district administration and police department’s sustained efforts to prevent the spread of narcotics and psychotropic substances in educational campuses.

Screening of multiple colleges

Students from several prominent institutions were covered under the anti-drug drive. These included Nitte University (K.S. Hegde Medical Academy), Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences, P.A. College, St Aloysius College, and the Fisheries College located at Ekkur. All these institutions fall within the jurisdiction of the Konaje and Ullal police station limits.

Police officials said that both college-operated buses and privately hired buses used by students were intercepted for checks. Students travelling individually or in groups were screened to ensure comprehensive coverage and to prevent any selective enforcement.

The checks were conducted in a manner aimed at minimising inconvenience to students while ensuring strict adherence to procedure. Police personnel, along with supporting staff, explained the purpose of the drive to students before conducting the tests.

Drug test results largely negative

According to police sources, a total of 103 drug tests have been completed so far as part of the drive. Of these, 101 tests have returned negative results, indicating no consumption of banned substances among the majority of students screened.

At present, around 10 additional tests are still in progress. Police officials clarified that these tests were being conducted as per standard operating procedures and that results would be reviewed carefully before any conclusions are drawn.

One student reportedly attempted to evade the testing process during the drive. Police said that necessary action is being taken in accordance with established procedures and legal provisions. Apart from this isolated incident, all other students who were tested cooperated fully with the police, and their results were found to be negative.

Focus on prevention and awareness

Senior police officers stated that the objective of the anti-drug drive is not merely punitive but preventive. “Our aim is to ensure that students remain away from drugs and that educational campuses are free from the influence of narcotics. Early detection and awareness are key to preventing long-term harm,” a police official said.

The police emphasised that such drives are also intended to send a strong message to drug peddlers and anti-social elements that educational institutions are under close watch. By conducting random screenings, authorities hope to deter the circulation and consumption of drugs among young people.

Officials added that students found negative in tests were counselled briefly on the dangers of drug abuse and encouraged to report any suspicious activity or peer pressure related to narcotics.

Collaborative effort showing results

The police noted that the success of the anti-drug campaign is the result of coordinated efforts by multiple stakeholders. Sustained cooperation between the police, civil administration, media, educational institutions and civil society organisations has helped create awareness and vigilance at various levels.

Educational institutions, in particular, have played a key role by sensitising students, organising awareness programmes and cooperating with law enforcement agencies during inspections and screening drives. Parents’ associations and local community groups have also contributed by reporting concerns and supporting preventive initiatives.

Police officials said that the largely negative test results indicate that these combined efforts are yielding positive outcomes. “The fact that most students tested negative shows that awareness and strict monitoring are working. We will continue these efforts to ensure that this trend continues,” an officer said.

Continued drives planned

Authorities indicated that similar anti-drug screening drives would continue across other parts of Mangaluru and the district in the coming days. Colleges, hostels and areas frequented by students are likely to remain under surveillance as part of the ongoing campaign.

The police urged students and educational institutions to view these drives as protective measures rather than intrusive actions. They also appealed to the public to support the campaign by sharing information related to drug trafficking or consumption.

Towards a drug-free Mangaluru

The anti-drug drive reflects the broader goal of making Mangaluru a drug-free city, particularly by safeguarding its large student population. With educational hubs spread across the region, authorities believe that consistent monitoring, awareness and enforcement are essential to protect young people from falling prey to substance abuse.

As the drive continues, police officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining drug-free campuses and ensuring that students can pursue their education in a safe and healthy environment. The largely encouraging results from the Konaje and Ullal screening drive, they said, provide renewed momentum to the ongoing anti-drug campaign.