Kannur police tops in enforcing tobacco control law

Kannur district has emerged top in the state in enforcing the tobacco control law by fining maximum number of persons last year. According to figures, Kannur police imposed fine on 12,647 persons during  January-December 2013 for violating the Indian tobacco control law, COTPA.

The drive also brought in Rs 2,559,000 to the state coffers, a release said today. After Kannur, Ernakulam Rural takes the second position with 11,560 persons being fined and netting Rs 2,106,000.

Dr Satheesan Balasubramanian, Director, Malabar Cancer Centre (MCC) in Kannur said, "Recent studies conducted in Kerala have shown that implementation of COTPA is a critical factor in bringing down use of tobacco, a grave threat that disables and kills many."

"The role of the district police in curbing smoking in public places, especially cinema theatres, is highly commendable," he said.

Kannur District Police Chief PN Unnirajan said his team would continue the drive in this regard. "We will also intensify action against those displaying tobacco advertisements and those found selling tobacco products around educational institutions," he said.

Kerala findings of Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS 2009-10) of the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the World Health Organisation show that 18.6 per cent are initiated to the smoking habit below 15 years. Another 27.5 per cent are initiated to this dangerous habit between the ages of 15 and 17.