Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 28: In a continued effort to curb drug abuse among the youth, the city police conducted a surprise drug testing operation targeting college students at Kotekar Beeri and near Bunts Bhavan in Konaje.

The operation was coordinated by the assistant commissioners of police (ACP) of the South and Central sub-divisions under the supervision of the deputy commissioner of police (law and order). During the drive, which took place between 4.30 pm and 6.00 pm, the police intercepted private and college buses plying on these routes and subjected the students to tests using multi-drug testing kits.

In the Ullal police station limits at Kotekar Beeri, a total of 72 students from various institutions, including SDM College, Nitte KS Hegde, St Aloysius, PA College, Bearys Institute, Tippu Sultan College, and Canara College, were tested. Out of these, 71 students tested negative, while one student was found to be positive for drug consumption.

Similarly, in the Konaje police station limits, the authorities stopped two buses belonging to PA College near Bunts Bhavan and tested 87 students. All the results in this drive came out negative.

Police officials noted that it is an encouraging sign that only one student tested positive, indicating a downward trend in the percentage of students consuming drugs. However, they stressed that a lot more still needs to be done to eradicate the menace.

The student who tested positive will be sent for counselling after the completion of necessary legal formalities. Further follow-up action will be taken in the matter.