Most of drug-related cases are reported from Manipal: Deputy commissioner Vidya Kumari K | Mangaluru News

Udupi: Deputy Commissioner Vidya Kumari K expressed concern about the large number of drug-related cases reported from Manipal police station limits.
She said that of the more than 97 cases related to drug abuse registered in the district, about 90% came from the Manipal police station limits.
Presiding over the district-level coordination committee meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) at the Deputy Commissioner’s office at Rajatadri on Tuesday, she stressed the growing vulnerability of youth to drug addiction. She urged the officials from an insitution to prioritise the health of students by appointing caretakers and making efforts to create a ‘Nasha Mukt’ environment. A lot of awareness must be raised among the student community, she directed officials.
Further, the DC ddressed the importance of organising awareness programmes in schools and colleges, highlighting the consequences of drug use and the challenges it poses to their future. Activities such as essay and extempore competitions should also be conducted to educate them.
The DC noted that even labourers are falling prey to such vices. Efforts should be made to counsel them and help them break free from these habits.
She raised concerns about the cultivation of cannabis in forest fringes and some plantations. She instructed personnel from the agriculture, horticulture, and forest departments to conduct regular inspections. Suspected drug supplies through postal services should be scrutinised by opening suspicious packages in the presence of the recipient. Similarly, railway staff must monitor drug-related activities at stations.
The Coastal Security Police should be vigilant about the sale and transportation of drugs on beaches. Food samples sold in the district should also be tested for quality and sent to laboratories for analysis.
Manipal police officials were instructed to ensure CCTV surveillance in hostels and implement all necessary precautionary measures to curb drug usage. Strict legal action should be taken against those found encouraging such activities.
Udupi SP Dr Arun K said that advertisements for tobacco products are being displayed on highways under the guise of mouth fresheners. He suggested taking action against such advertisers and removing these hoardings. Students caught using drugs should first be counselled and given an opportunity to rectify their behaviour. If they persist, expulsion from college would be appropriate, he said.
He also looked at the possibility of drug use during weekend parties and suggested that students exhibiting suspicious behaviour undergo medical examination. Vigilance should be maintained to prevent such activities in commercial establishments, homestays, and tourist spots.
ASP P.A. Hegde, DFO Ganapathi, district health and family welfare officer Dr I.P. Gadad, joint director of Agriculture Purnima G.C., DDPI Ganapathi, DDPU Maruti and other district-level officials were also present.