31 students positive during drug test in 6 Bengaluru colleges

BENGALURU: The Vijayanagar subdivision police on Wednesday conducted checks in six educational institutions and two hostels to identify drug consumption among students under the 'Sanmitra' initiative. 

With the consent of management authorities and the support of local police, doctors and technicians from nearby hospitals collected samples from more than 1,200 students, of which 585 samples were randomly tested. Of these, 31 samples tested positive for drug consumption. Students who tested positive will be provided counselling by mental health professionals and necessary medical support, a senior police officer said. 

To address the growing problem of drug addiction among youth, Karnataka police have launched 'Sanmitra', an initiative that focuses on preventive action and rehabilitation to build a drug-free society. 

Under the initiative, those found consuming drugs will be assigned dedicated police personnel for guidance and rehabilitation, in line with the police motto, 'Your Safety is Our Goal'. 

Police officials assured that the identities and family details of the students would be kept strictly confidential.