Police, Excise to intensify surveillance around schools to curb drug abuse

The police and Excise department squads will intensify surveillance around educational institutions in Kozhikode district as part of efforts to counter substance abuse. In the new academic year, motorcycle patrols and plainclothes officers will be deployed in all vulnerable areas.

Students attempting to bunk classes will also come under scrutiny. The Excise department will deploy plainclothes officers in public places to monitor such students and alert their parents immediately for corrective action. Police squads will also maintain a presence in these areas.

“Often, children who skip classes and loiter around the city fall into the hands of drug pushers and other anti-social elements. The parents with whom we discussed the idea have also supported it,” said a senior Excise department officer. He added that the support of Vimukti Mission squads would also be sought for effective implementation.

According to police sources, public parks, beach tourism spots, shopping malls, and cinemas will be closely monitored to track students who leave school without permission. School authorities have already been informed about the initiative, which will be implemented strictly as a preventive measure.

“Within the past two months alone, over 100 local drug peddlers were arrested in Kozhikode city. Most of them were targeting young drug users, including school and college students,” said a civil police officer with the District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force. He said the special drive is being intensified for the safety of students in the new academic year.

“Student Police Cadets and other school volunteer groups have already been trained to identify drug peddlers’ tactics and respond appropriately in coordination with enforcement officials. More drop boxes will be placed in various locations to allow students to submit confidential petitions,” said a sub-inspector with the Anti-Narcotics Squad. He added that details of minors previously in contact with drug traffickers have been collected for ongoing monitoring.

Published - June 01, 2025 07:12 pm IST