‘Smart Khakis’ scheme keeps drug abuse in check in Coimbatore’s rural areas

Coimbatore: The rural police were successful in cracking down on drug peddlers in 2025, especially because of the ‘Smart Khakis' scheme that ensured round the clock patrolling, and visible and effective policing.As per the data available with the rural police, 670kg of drugs were seized in 2025 in 464 peddling cases involving 556 people, who were arrested. District superintendent of police K Karthikeyan said, "We took several measures to prevent crimes and maintain law and order in the district. The bygone year saw the introduction of ‘Smart Khakis' scheme, under which police personnel were deployed on a shift basis to patrol the entire district round the clock. They were tasked with the job of visiting isolated places and crime hotspots in rural areas. This helped us prevent crimes." Pointing out that the seizure of narcotic substances had increased by 52% in 2025, he said this wouldn't have been possible without the strict enforcement and special operations conducted by the rural district police. He said the rural police were also successful in cracking down on the illegal sale of alcohol. "We carried out 12,940 raids and registered 3,921 cases against the illegal sale of alcohol. At least 4,484 litres of liquor, 8,987 litres of toddy, 5,145 litres of rectified spirit, and 150 litres of fermented wash were seized. We also seized Rs83,882 in cash and 10 vehicles from the accused."