Youth Drug Prevention
Vijayapura
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Anand K has directed officials to intensify district-wide awareness campaigns on the harmful effects of drug abuse and ensure coordinated efforts to prevent youth from falling into addiction.
Chairing a drug control review meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Wednesday, he stressed the need for a multi-departmental approach involving police, health, education, forest, and excise departments. He instructed officials to closely monitor hostels across the district and conduct regular awareness programmes, including expert lectures, especially after the academic session.
The DC said all government and private schools must establish anti-drug committees and actively involve students in awareness initiatives. He suggested forming dedicated groups similar to hostel, sports, and cultural committees to strengthen outreach efforts. He also recommended using social media, street plays, and cultural programmes to spread awareness widely.
Health centres were instructed to educate the public on the physical and psychological consequences of drug consumption. Dr. Anand K emphasized that drug control should not be limited to the police alone but must involve all departments working together.
He directed the Forest Department to report any illegal cultivation of ganja, while the Drug Control Department was asked to take strict action against medical shops selling drugs without prescriptions. The Excise Department was instructed to immediately report illegal storage or sale of narcotic substances.
Superintendent of Police Lakshman Nimbargi highlighted the need for stronger awareness measures and instructed that warning boards be displayed in bars and restaurants.
Officials reported that under the NDPS Act, multiple cases have been registered in recent years, with significant quantities of ganja and opium seized and destroyed. Strict enforcement of the COTPA Act near educational institutions was also emphasized.