Collective efforts needed to make Mangaluru drug free: Commissioner of police

Mangaluru: A drug-free Mangaluru is possible only when students, parents, and religious leaders actively play their roles and work together to eradicate the drug menace from society, said Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH.

Speaking at the drug-free Mangaluru campaign organised jointly by the Make a Change Foundation in collaboration with the Mangaluru City Police on Saturday, the Commissioner said students should not remain mute spectators. Instead, they should report drug peddlers and instances where their friends fall prey to substance abuse.

He said parents must closely monitor their children, especially for behavioural changes, a drop in academic performance, and unusual spending patterns. Parents should also avoid giving excess money to their children. Religious leaders, including Jamaats, should ensure that drug addicts are rehabilitated and helped to overcome addiction, he added.

Using feedback received through an anonymous complaint reporting system, the city police have arrested 25 drug peddlers in the last one week.

“It is professional college students, PU students, and engineering students who have largely fallen prey to the drug menace in the city. Parents often approach me and share their agony after noticing their children getting addicted to substances. The police have taken strict action against drug peddlers. At present, at least 120 undertrials lodged in the Mangaluru prison are involved in drug-peddling cases,” he said.

He further noted that nearly 80 % of prison inmates are directly or indirectly connected to drug and substance abuse. “People lose their thinking ability under the influence of drugs. Those arrested under the NDPS Act face a minimum of 10 years of imprisonment,” he added.

The Commissioner said educational institutions within the Mangaluru Commissionerate limits have begun random drug testing on campuses. Around 10,000 students have been tested so far, of whom 50 tested positive and are currently undergoing rehabilitation. He urged all colleges to consider random testing at the time of admissions itself.

Ramakrishna Mutt seer Yogeshananda said drugs may provide temporary relief and happiness but have long-lasting adverse effects on an individual’s health. He urged students to engage in activities such as dance, music, and sports to divert their minds and remain happy.

SKSSF General Secretary Anees Kausar Ali stressed the need to establish de-addiction centres in all districts of Karnataka.

Mangalore Diocese Bishop Rev Fr Peter Paul Saldanha said society is facing addictions not only to substances but also to power, religion, and pleasure. “When there is no God in our hearts, everything feels empty. When divine reality enters our lives, addictions fade away. One must create space for God and lead a meaningful life,” he said.

Make a Change Foundation Chairman Suhail Kandak said the campaign comprises 102 programmes aimed at creating awareness about drug abuse among youth.