The State government will soon embark on a rigorous anti-drug campaign with the cooperation of Student Police Cadets and National Service Scheme volunteers to save the young generation from drug abuse, Transport Minister A.K. Saseendran has said.
He was inaugurating the district-level observance of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, organised by the Excise Department, at Nadakkavu Government Girls Vocational Higher secondary school on Sunday.
Mr. Saseendran, who explained in detail the government’s proposed liquor policy, which would also aid anti-drug activities, said the government would take up an awareness drive. “We should handle it with utmost seriousness, and only a student-centric sensitisation programme will bring about a desirable change,” he observed. Decrying the previous UDF government’s decision to close down bars, the Minister said the move had, in fact, forced people flock to beverages outlets. “The undesirable trend has been visible in areas where illicit drug traders have been active for long,” he added.
Call for revision of Act
Mayor Thottathil Raveendran, who chaired the function, suggested that the government revise the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act in such a way that even small-time peddlers do not escape.
On migrant workers getting caught for drug trafficking, the Mayor said it was high time the authorities considered stringent measures to arrest such trends and reroute the money such pooled for productive needs. Joint Excise Commissioner P.V. Muralikumar welcomed the gathering.
Deputy Commissioner of Excise P.K. Suresh administered a special oath for students against drug abuse. Parents and teachers were also present.
