Mangaluru: Thirty-eight of 50 college students who had earlier tested positive for drug use have tested negative in a follow-up screening conducted by Mangaluru City Police, indicating a positive response to the department’s counselling and monitoring efforts.

The students were among 98 who had initially tested positive during a wider anti-drug campaign covering educational institutions across the city. Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said the latest results showed that more than 75% of the students who underwent the second test had tested negative.

8,310 students tested across 150 colleges

As part of its efforts to make Mangaluru a drug-free city, the city police have tested 8,310 students across 150 colleges this year.

During the initial screening, 98 students tested positive for drug consumption. Instead of limiting the response to enforcement action, police involved the students’ parents and college managements and directed the students to undergo counselling.

The follow-up testing was conducted to assess whether the intervention had helped students stay away from substance use.

Of the 50 students who underwent the second round of testing, 38 returned negative results. Police described the outcome as encouraging, with the Commissioner noting that more than 75% of those retested were now negative.

12 students test positive again

While the majority of students tested negative, 12 continued to test positive during the follow-up screening.

Police have asked the parents and college administrations of these students to step up monitoring and continue the counselling and rehabilitation process.

The department’s approach indicates that the campaign is focused not only on identifying drug use but also on helping students discontinue substance use through continued counselling and supervision.

The police have emphasised the role of parents and educational institutions in supporting students who require assistance.

Counselling remains central to campaign

The follow-up results have highlighted the possible impact of early intervention and counselling.

After the first round of testing, students who tested positive were not left without further support. Police coordinated with their families and colleges to ensure that counselling was provided and that their progress could be monitored.

The fact that 38 students subsequently tested negative has been viewed by the police as an encouraging sign that intervention can help young people move away from substance use.

However, the 12 repeat-positive cases also underline the need for continued monitoring and support rather than treating a single negative test as the end of the process.

Police seek public support

Mangaluru City Police have also appealed to members of the public to assist in their efforts to tackle the drug menace.

Citizens have been encouraged to share information about drug-related activities with the authorities. Police have provided a mechanism through which information can be reported anonymously by scanning a QR code issued as part of the campaign.

The police are increasingly focusing on educational institutions as part of their wider strategy because early detection can allow students who may be using drugs to receive counselling and intervention.

Focus on making Mangaluru drug-free

The latest testing forms part of a broader anti-drug campaign being conducted across Mangaluru.

Random testing of students has been used by the police to identify possible substance use and initiate intervention at an early stage. Earlier this year, police also conducted surprise drug tests among college students in different parts of the city.

The latest follow-up results provide a positive indication for the campaign, with 38 students recording negative results after counselling and supervision.

At the same time, the 12 students who continued to test positive will require further attention from their families, colleges and authorities.

The police are expected to continue follow-up testing and counselling as part of the campaign, while encouraging educational institutions to remain vigilant.

For Mangaluru, the latest results underline the importance of combining enforcement with prevention, counselling and family involvement in tackling drug use among young people.