Students’ cooperation essential to dismantle drug network: DCP

Mangaluru: Drug dealers have been targeting students. Programmes need to be organised to create awareness among students to build an addiction-free society, said Mithun HN, deputy commissioner of police (law and order).He was speaking at an Addiction-Free Day event held on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Mahanta Shivayogi Swamiji at the Roshni Nilaya School of Social Work auditorium on Saturday. The programme was organised jointly by the district administration, Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat, health and family welfare department, information and public relations department, Karnataka State Temperance Board, and School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya (Autonomous).The DCP emphasised the need for student cooperation to dismantle drug distribution networks. "If students experience mental distress, they should seek medical advice instead of falling into bad habits. The QR codes have been installed in every school and college campus, allowing individuals to scan and provide information to help rescue those involved in addictions from these networks," he said.Joachim Stany Alvares, chairman of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, said that in the current era, young people are increasingly drawn to addictions that negatively impact their physical and mental health. In such a scenario, the celebration of Addiction-Free Day is a meaningful event to raise awareness among the youth on the issue, he said.Dr Prajakta Rao, psychiatrist, District Mental Health Programme, explained that the consumption of drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and heroin not only affects physical and mental health, but also has a detrimental impact on society. Such addictions can lead to social disadvantages like disrupted education and employment, she said, and urged the youth to stay away from drug abuse and join hands in creating an addiction-free society.Police sub-inspector Maruti P called upon students to be vigilant about the ill effects of drugs and not fall prey to bad habits.Sadashiva Ullal, chairman of Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (Muda), was present. An anti-drug pledge was administered during the event.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes, messages and quotes !