H-NEW holds counselling session for drug consumers and their families in Hyderabad

The Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) on Tuesday conducted a counselling and awareness programme for drug consumers and their families, underlining the police’s focus on rehabilitation and behavioural change rather than punishment.

The session, held at the Old Commissioner of Police office in Basheerbagh, was organised in connection with a case registered at Langar Houz police station under various provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. H-NEW officials said more than 100 drug consumers were identified in the case, of whom 40 attended the programme along with their parents and relatives.

The primary objective of the session was to sensitise parents to the harmful effects of drug abuse, help them recognise early warning signs of substance dependency and emphasise the critical role of family support in rehabilitation and recovery.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Task Force and H-NEW) Gaikwad Vaibhav Raghunath said drug abuse should be viewed not merely as a law-and-order issue but as a serious social and public health concern. He urged parents to remain vigilant, maintain open communication with their children and work closely with law enforcement agencies to prevent drug-related activities. The DCP also explained the legal consequences associated with drug abuse and trafficking.

Parents actively participated in the interaction, sharing their concerns and seeking clarifications from officials. The DCP advised them to closely monitor behavioural changes in their children and to seek professional counselling at the earliest if any abnormal patterns were noticed. He stressed that collective responsibility and sustained parental involvement were essential to building a drug-free society, adding that the city police’s approach towards drug consumers was aimed at encouraging positive behavioural change and healthier lifestyles.