Government's anti-drug measures falter amid rising school and college drug abuse

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government's announcement that the drug mafia will be detained without trial and that those who continue drug dealing will face double punishment has not been implemented. The Pitt-NDPS is a central law that allows criminals to be remanded in custody for two years without trial.

At the same time, if you are caught with a small amount of drugs, you will also get bail. Even if you are in possession of cannabis, you will get bail. It is necessary to amend the central law. Kerala has requested this. It has been ordered not to grant parole if convicted in a drug-related case.

However, it is not possible to ensure that drugs do not reach schools through inspections. As a result, the drug mafia has become rich by using students as carriers and sellers. Intoxication has been found in 1140 schools. The situation is serious in colleges too.

Kudumbashree, libraries, clubs, residents' associations, and Vimukti clubs are creating awareness about the scourge of drug addiction. A no-to-drugs campaign was conducted with the participation of one crore people. But the police and excise departments are unable to root out the network. Special operation groups in stations led by SIs for anti-drug operations are also inactive. The DANSAF squad of SPs, tasked with seizing drugs, has been caught up in cases of custodial torture.

Verbal declarations

- College-SPC student police cadets to prevent drug use in colleges

- Drug-free centers in taluks for people below 21 years of age

- A portal to report the sale of drugs on social media

- Virtual Police and Excise Unit with principals in schools and colleges

- Screening of students for drug use

- Lightning inspections in vacant buildings and shops in colleges

Statistics

- Students who sought drug addiction treatment over two years: 3933

- Students who are not drug-free even after 100 days of inpatient treatment: 20%

- Regular drug traffickers: 1681

- Those under remand detention: 228

- Schools with intoxicants: 1140