Police urge strict action against narcotics

Mysuru: Stressing that narcotics pose a serious threat to society, additional SP C Mallick on Tuesday called for strict measures and widespread awareness campaigns to prevent the sale and consumption of drugs. He was addressing the NCORD (National Narco Coordination Portal) committee meeting held at the DC’s office.Referring to International Anti-Drug Day observed on June 26, Mallick instructed departments to organise intensive awareness programmes throughout the month, with special focus on college students. He said educational institutions must actively participate in spreading awareness about the harmful effects of narcotics and tobacco.Highlighting the dangers of smoking, he said tobacco consumption not only affects smokers but also causes severe health issues to people exposed to second-hand smoke for long hours. In view of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, he directed officials to conduct innovative and impactful awareness campaigns across the district.Mallick warned that cannabis cultivation could be carried out secretly amidst crops like marigold. He instructed the agriculture and horticulture departments to conduct thorough inspection during field visits.Expressing concern over the functioning of private de-addiction centres in the district, he said authorities must monitor these centres to ensure they operate according to prescribed norms. Instal CCTV cameras in hostels to monitor student activities, behavioural changes and the food parcels brought from outside, in an effort to curb drug abuse among youngsters, he added.Meanwhile, the excise department informed the meeting that 20 NDPS cases were registered in the Mysuru rural district limits, resulting in the arrest of 14 accused persons. Officials also seized 58.3kg of cannabis and 50 green cannabis plants during the operations.The meeting was attended by ACP Manoj Kumar, assistant drug controllers Ashalatha and Waseem Shariff, assistant director of Information and public relations department Nirmala.