ALAPPUZHA: Drug use is spreading among students and youth with sweets and pills being the common forms. Educational institutes and tourist centers in the city are targeted for drug trade in the district. Recently, the excise team arrested Ananthashankar (24) from Mullakkal seizing four intoxicating candies and five grams of cannabis. The seized candies are undergoing chemical analysis.

Police and Excise are actively working to curb drug flow intensifying inspections at school premises. The intelligence department reports over 50 schools in the district prompting increased surveillance. The Full Time District Control Room in the Excise Division Office is operational maintaining constant communication with Vimukthi project officials in schools. Plans include awareness programs with anti-drug clubs and NSS units.

Investigations involve the Kerala Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force Dog Squad led by the District Superintendent of Police and DySP Narcotics Division. Additional SI and squads including one female and one male civil police officer are assigned to each police station.

To prevent drug flow, checks at district borders and rural areas are strengthened.

— Excise authorities, Alappuzha