Pics by Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 30: Stressing that the fight against narcotics cannot be won by the police alone, Karnataka health and family welfare minister U T Khader Fareed on Thursday called for active public participation, particularly from students, in eradicating the drug menace.

Speaking after inaugurating the anti-drug awareness campaign under the 'Operation Rise' and 'Beda Bro' initiatives, organised by the Mangaluru City Police and Dakshina Kannada District Police at the Father Muller Convention Hall, Khader urged students to courageously share any information they have about drug networks with the police and become ambassadors of awareness against substance abuse.

He said the youth are the strongest foundation for India's future, but expressed concern over the growing threat of drug addiction among students. "Drug abuse only destroys lives and prevents young people from achieving success. Along with education, character-building is equally important, and that is possible only in a drug-free society," he said.

Khader further stated that Mangaluru should lead a revolutionary change by becoming a model in combating drug abuse. Considering Dakshina Kannada shares a border with Kerala, he suggested closer coordination with the Kasaragod Police to dismantle inter-state drug trafficking networks.

MLA Vedavyas Kamath, who presided over the programme, said the campaign was a commendable initiative towards building a stronger India. He observed that despite being educated, many youngsters are falling prey to drug addiction and warned that anti-social elements are attempting to weaken the country by targeting its youth. He called for a united fight against the drug menace and suggested that the health department and police department collaborate with private medical colleges in the district to strengthen drug testing and prevention efforts.

Mangaluru police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said it would be impossible to completely eliminate drug-related cases as long as there is demand among students. While the police have been successful in curbing nearly 90% of drug-related activities, the remaining demand continues to pose a challenge, he noted.

He revealed that only 0.5% of students tested during inspections this year had returned positive results for drug use. The police aim to make 50% of educational campuses drug-free by the end of the current academic year, he added.

Dakshina Kannada superintendent of police Dr Arun K, Zilla Panchayat chief executive officer Narawade Vinayak Karbhari, Mangaluru City Corporation commissioner Rahul Rathnam Pandey, DCP (Crime and Traffic) K Ravishankar, CAR DCP Umesh P, probationary IAS officer Archit Dongre, assistant commissioners of Police Najma Farooqui, Raveesh Nayak, Geetha Kulkarni, and Vijaya Kranti were present.

DCP (Law and Order) Mithun H N welcomed the gathering, while Anurag compered the programme.