Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jan 16: With the objective of preventing drug abuse among students studying in various private colleges in the Derlakatte area, Ullal and Konaje police jointly conducted a surprise drug testing drive by stopping college buses heading towards Kerala at Beeri, Kotekar and Asaigoli.
Within the Konaje police station limits, two college buses were stopped and 87 students were subjected to testing. All the results were negative, which police described as a highly positive development.
Similarly, within the Ullal police station limits, students travelling in private buses and college buses were tested. Students from various private engineering, medical, diploma and paramedical colleges in the region were covered under the drive.
So far, 103 students have been tested, of whom 101 returned negative results. Around 10 tests were still in progress, and by the end of the day, drug testing of approximately 200 students is expected to be completed. One student allegedly attempted to evade the test, and necessary action is being taken against him as per rules. All remaining students tested negative.
Police said that a large number of students studying in colleges located in Konaje, Inoli, Nadupadavu and Derlakatte areas are natives of Kerala. In this background, around 10 buses heading towards Kerala were stopped at different locations and checked.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of the ACP of the South division, along with officers of the Ullal and Konaje police stations. Police stated that such surprise checks will continue in the coming days.
Police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said the results clearly indicate that sustained efforts against drug abuse, carried out with the active support of the police department, civil administration, educational institutions, civil society and the media, are yielding positive outcomes. He added that collective efforts to build a drug-free Mangaluru and drug-free educational campuses will continue.