Mangalore: Drug network very strong, strict police action necessary - J R Lobo

Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)

Mangalore, Jun 26: "Drug abuse is a major problem in today’s world, especiially as it has mainly targeted educational centers and urban areas due to which many students have lost their lives," said MLA J R Lobo.

He was adressing the gathering after inaugurating a workshop for teachers on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking organized by Link Integrated Rehabilitation Center for Addicts, Bajal in collaboration with Talent Research Foundation here on Wednesday June 26.

"People who operate the drug network are into it because of the money. They target people mainly for their own benefit, and ultimately students and society become prey to it," he said.

"In Mangalore, since 2002 we have been hearing of various cases of drug abuse. There was an instance where we received information that drugs were sold at petty shops situated near St Aloysius College in 2002 when I was the commissioner of MCC. We had then removed all the petty shops operating near the college area," said the MLA.

"The drug dealer network is very strong and they mainly target the poor and middle class sections of society. Over the past few months, we have heard many instances where students have lost their lives to drugs," he said, adding that it is important to create awareness among students and teachers on preventing drug abuse.

"When we find students addicted to drugs, our approach towards them should not change drastically as sudden reaction will not work out," said Lobo.

"The issue of drug mafia was also discussed with the home minister during his visit to the city," he added.

"If drug menace is not curbed, it is the educational institutions that will lose importance, and ultimately our city. Police should also take strict action in getting rid of the increasing drug network as they have specialized knowledge, and most importantly, steps should be taken to sensitize police personnel," he said, asking people to join their hands towards building a healthy society.

Abdul Rauf Puthige, founder president of Talent Research Foundation, Dr Olinda Pereira, Moses Jayashekar, deputy director of public instruction (DDPI), Shakuntala, Sudhakar, Dr Sathish Rao, Link president, Lydia, link administrator, Judith Mascarenhas, Dennis D’Silva, Dr Anish Bhat among others were present.