Kerala's drug menace: Police intervene to provide treatment and rehabilitation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Children using drugs in front of their parents and teenagers regularly exhibiting violent behavior due to substance abuse have become a growing concern. In response, the police are ready to intervene by providing treatment and rehabilitation at de-addiction centers to help these youngsters.

Parents are fearful of confronting their children about drug use, as some have faced violent retaliation. There have been incidents where children, angered by their parents' refusal to fund their drug habit, have even killed their mothers.

The police launched the operation to rescue youngsters using drugs after receiving information from mothers who secretly reported their children's drug abuse. Parents can now reach out for help by calling the number 9497927797, and the police will come to their homes to transfer the children to rehabilitation centers.

The operation targets young individuals between the ages of 15 and 30, and it has been organized under the leadership of ADGP Manoj Abraham.

21 individuals transferred to rehabilitation centers in three days

In just three days, 21 individuals who were using drugs at home were transferred to rehabilitation centers. These centers include government, private, and religious institutions, offering de-addiction treatments. Expert doctors and counselors have been appointed to provide psychological, addiction treatment, counseling, and therapy. Police will ensure security, and the children will stay at the rehabilitation centers along with their parents. The government has been advised to establish treatment centers in government hospitals as well.

588 children sought help in two months
In January and February, 588 children under the age of 18 sought treatment at de-addiction centers across the state. Minister M.B. Rajesh informed the legislature that in 2024, 2880 children sought treatment, 1982 in 2023, 1238 in 2022, and 681 in 2021. De-addiction centers are available in all districts.

Public can report to control room
The public can report drug use, trafficking, or sales to the 24/7 control room. The contact number is 9497979794.

"The initiative began following the calls from mothers reporting their children's drug abuse. Parents should courageously provide information to help save their children."
- Manoj Abraham
ADGP, Law and Order