Mangaluru
In an effort to combat drug abuse and raise awareness about its detrimental effects, Deputy Commissioner MP Mullai Muhilan announced that 528 anti-drug cells have been established in educational institutions across district. This initiative will facilitate early detection and help students overcome addiction.
He was speaking at a programme, Towards a Drug-Free India, held at St Aloysius PU College.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs had decided to observe a fortnight-long campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The programme was organised in association with the district administration, Police and Customs Departments and Indian Coast Guard.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed the role of educational institutions in this fight. The anti-drug cell, chaired by the respective college principal, will include a dedicated counsellor to support students in need. A system has been put in place where students can approach the counsellor for help and receive counselling to escape the vicious cycle of drug abuse. The students have a pivotal role in preventing drug consumption and abuse within the district, he said.
Drug consumption is a symptom of underlying mental health issues. An educated person demonstrates socially acceptable and responsible behaviour, he said.
City Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal urged students to report any instances of drug peddling or consumption to police. Prevention is the best solution to the drug menace. Self-control is essential, he added.
P Vinitha Sekhar, Commissioner of Customs described drug abuse as a pressing social issue. Drug-free India should not be a mere slogan, but a necessity, especially since India is situated between the world’s two largest opium-producing regions, the Golden Triangle and the Golden Crescent, she said.
Indian Coast Guard Karnataka DIG PK Mishra encouraged students to be observant, and inform the authorities regarding any drug-related activities.
