Thiruvananthapuram, June 3 (IANS): Kerala will launch an anti-drug campaign in all schools in the state this month after intelligence reports said a drug racket was supplying tobacco and narcotics to school children, a minister said Tuesday.
A surprise raid conducted in the past two days in shops selling tobacco products near educational institutions saw 134 cases being registered and 131 people arrested.
Addressing a press meet here Tuesday, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Education Minister P.K. Abdu Rabb said the state-level campaign would be launched by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy June 13. It would begin in all schools.
"I was shocked when a mother of a 10-year-old approached me with her son and said he was addicted to ganja and that it was being supplied by a gang that operates among school children. We also received intelligence reports of a big drug racket that's operating in our state," Chennithala said.
Rabb said a committee will be formed in all schools comprising students, teachers, parents and members of local organisation.
"The committee will monitor offenders and children who are using these banned products. It will conduct campaigns and maintain constant vigil to see that this social evil is rooted out from schools," he said.
The ministers assured that those who violate the law would be seriously dealt with.