Mangaluru: Three college students were booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act after college authorities found around 290 grams of ganja, packed in multiple small packets, in their possession during a campus inspection. The seizure came as part of intensified anti-drug surveillance introduced by the institution following a series of awareness programmes.
The college immediately informed the jurisdictional police after recovering the contraband, leading to the registration of a criminal case under the NDPS Act.
Contraband found during campus inspection
The college had recently strengthened its monitoring system to curb drug-related activities on the campus. As part of the enhanced surveillance, authorities carried out routine inspections, during which the three students were allegedly found possessing approximately 290 grams of ganja.
The contraband was packed in several small packets, raising suspicion that it may have been intended for distribution or sharing. Following the recovery, the institution promptly alerted the local police, who initiated legal proceedings.
Medical examination confirms consumption
After the inspection, the students were subjected to medical examination. According to police, the test results confirmed that all three had consumed the narcotic substance.
Based on the complaint filed by the college authorities, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under the NDPS Act, invoking Sections 27(b), which deals with the consumption of narcotic drugs, and 8(c), which prohibits the possession and handling of narcotic substances except as permitted by law.
One student granted bail
Police produced the student who allegedly brought the ganja to the college before the jurisdictional magistrate.
Considering the student’s educational background and the quantity of the seized contraband, the court granted him bail on furnishing a surety.
The remaining legal proceedings will continue as the investigation progresses.
Police trace source of supply
Police have launched an investigation to identify and apprehend the alleged peddler who supplied the ganja to the students.
Officials said efforts are underway to trace the supplier and determine whether the accused students had any links to a wider drug distribution network operating in the region.
Colleges urged to strengthen anti-drug measures
Police officials described the case as an encouraging example of educational institutions taking proactive steps to combat drug abuse among students.
They noted that more colleges are actively conducting inspections and that Anti-Drug Committees (ADCs) established on campuses are functioning effectively.
Officials expressed confidence that if similar monitoring systems and awareness initiatives are adopted across educational institutions, drug-free and healthier campuses can be achieved in a relatively short period.
The incident also highlights the growing emphasis on preventive measures, regular inspections and collaboration between educational institutions and law enforcement agencies to tackle substance abuse among students.