Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, July 14: Mangaluru city police, in association with the NSS unit, Rotary Club of Mangalore, NITTE Institute of Architecture and NCORD, conducted an awareness programme on drug abuse and an orientation session for college-level anti-drug committees at Townhall here on Monday, July 14.
Police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said, “Last year, we found over 500 college students involved in drug consumption. In our recent review, around 150 students are still using drugs. We have urged 150 colleges to form anti-drug committees. Of these, 107 colleges have already set them up, while 43 have declared themselves as drug-free campuses. But what does that really mean?” he questioned.
He added, “We urge all colleges to constitute anti-drug committees, as we do not want to intervene directly on campuses and cause discomfort. That sends the wrong message. If only 10 students use drugs, we do not want to trouble the other 90. However, if institutions fail to act, we will be forced to intervene.”
Recalling his visit to a prison recently, the commissioner shared, “Some inmates started consuming drugs out of curiosity, but soon became addicted. I met an inmate booked under sections 302 and 307. He admitted that drugs influenced his criminal behaviour. Now he’s become a supplier himself.”
“There is always a chance to change your future. It takes just one second to decide to stop using drugs and aim to be among Mangaluru’s top 50 contributors. But if you continue on this path, you will end up in jail, where we conduct counselling sessions,” he warned.
He urged educational institutions to remain vigilant and observe behavioural changes in students. “The purpose of the anti-drug committee is to create drug-free campuses. Identify early warning signs—regular absenteeism, new peer groups, refusal to eat hostel food, ordering takeaways, keeping lights on until 3 am, and other behavioural shifts,” he noted.
Citing a recent arrest of a medical student in the city, he urged colleges to also monitor alumni and identify possible peddlers. “Institutions must not hide such issues from parents. Concealing it only endangers the student’s future,” he cautioned.
“The formation of anti-drug committees is mandatory and will be periodically reviewed. Colleges must also conduct regular screenings,” he said.
He called on parents to stay alert to behavioural changes and encouraged them to consult colleges or schools if they notice anything unusual. “A QR code has been provided for anonymous complaints. We have already received a few, but request people not to hesitate in naming offenders—anonymity will be maintained,” he assured.
“We must reduce the demand—only then will the supply shrink. Let us all come together to fight this menace,” he concluded.
Superintendent of police Dr Arun K said, “In many cases, awareness alone doesn’t lead to action. If the education system appears robust but students still use drugs, then the system is failing. We must get to the root of the issue.”
He continued, “Denial won’t help. Suppressing the problem only makes it worse. Repeating awareness programmes without results is pointless. Institutions need to come up with newer strategies and faculty members must take the lead.”
Dr Arun also called for rehabilitation support and mandatory reporting. “Even if a student is caught using drugs for the first time, inform the police. Conduct random tests and have students and parents submit undertakings at the time of admission. Let there be accountability,” he said.
“Combating drugs is everyone’s responsibility. Do not hesitate—acknowledge the problem, inform the police, and conduct random screenings,” he urged.
Deputy commissioner Darshan also emphasised the need for every college to establish anti-drug committees and carry out surprise drug testing. “We all must play an active role in curbing the drug menace in the district. Anonymous complaints are also welcome,” he said.