The police arrested around 30 school students from various places who were found to have consumed liquor and narcotic substances on Monday.
The police said action was taken during a drive launched under the directions of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) K. Sanjay Kumar following complaints of students bunking classes to consume addictive substances including tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs. The inspections, led by Assistant Commissioner (Control Room) P. Bijoy, were undertaken by multiple teams of the shadow police.
The police said three students were caught after they consumed Fevibond, a synthetic rubber-based adhesive, in a deserted marshy area in Nellikuzhi, near Anayara, under the Pettah police station limits. There were also instances in which students were found to consume correction fluid, thinner, and nail polish remover to get a high. Students were also caught with liquor and drug ampoules and tablets. The students were all let off after their parents were summoned by the police. They were told of the seriousness of the issue. City schools have been asked to conduct sensitisation programmes for students by organizing parents-teachers meetings.
Police officials said tablets and ampoules of drugs were being distributed among students upon the production of fake prescriptions at medical stores. Under the circumstances, the police have directed the Kerala Drugs Control Board to conduct awareness programmes for pharmacy owners. Inspections will also be undertaken at such outlets on a regular basis. Efforts have also been launched to nab those targeting school students for the illegal sale of drugs and brown sugar.
