The strategy employed by the enforcement agencies to rein in drug trade goes beyond cutting the supply lines.
Evolving steps to bring down the demand for narcotics substances forms a key aspect of the plan.
The City police is all set to launch ‘Let’s Discuss’, a drive aimed at sensitizing parents on the various possibilities that could lead to their children to fall prey to drug addiction.
“Parents are generally reluctant to concede that their children could be vulnerable to anti-social activities. However, it is extremely important to constantly monitor their kids and be on the lookout for warning signs,” District Police Chief Sanjay Kumar Gurudin said.
Social media role
Besides sharing information with guardians on social media platforms, the police will also conduct awareness programmes for school and college students.
The Excise Department has also embarked on various anti-drug abuse awareness campaigns. Lahari Virudha Clubs (Anti-narcotics clubs) have been launched in government and aided schools under the Vimukti campaign.
While these clubs comprised excise officers, teachers and students, they will be expanded this year to include police officers.
Desired results
According to Mohammed Ubaid S., Deputy Excise Commissioner, the initiative has begun to achieve desired results with many students getting in touch with Excise officers to disclose their addiction to tobacco and other intoxicants, and seek help for recovery.