Drug abuse surveillance stepped up as schools reopen

As the schools reopen on June 2, the Excise Department has flagged 104 schools across the state as drug hotspots, prompting a comprehensive crackdown on narcotics infiltration in educational institutions. The initiative comes amid growing concerns over substance abuse among students, particularly in high school and higher secondary categories.
Thiruvananthapuram district tops the list with 43 schools identified, followed by Ernakulam and Kozhikode, though exact figures for these districts remain unspecified. The flagged institutions span government, aided, and private sectors, indicating a widespread issue cutting across various school types.
Investigations have revealed that students are being targeted by drug peddlers, with some minors reportedly used as carriers, receiving payments between ₹200 and ₹300 for deliveries. In response, the Excise Department has deployed sub-inspector and circle-inspector rank officers as nodal officers in 16 schools deemed particularly vulnerable. These officers are tasked with maintaining close contact with school principals, teachers, and students, monitoring interactions with outsiders, and placing previously arrested individuals under surveillance.
This action follows a 2023 police intelligence report that identified 1,057 schools across Kerala as potential hubs for drug mafia activities. The report highlighted alarming trends, including students being exploited as carriers, drugs hidden within school campuses, and nearby shops acting as distribution points. Based on this intelligence, the Excise Department is conducting a follow-up survey, which may expand the list of at-risk schools.
Assistant Excise Commissioner B.L. Shibu emphasized the department's commitment to curbing drug influence in schools. "The appointed nodal officers will maintain close contact with school principals, teachers, and students. Individuals previously arrested in drug cases near schools will be placed under surveillance. School premises will be under constant watch, and any suspicious activities will be reported immediately for ... stated.
In addition to surveillance, the government has initiated measures to counter the influence of drugs among school students. The Excise Department will place identified schools under continuous monitoring and seek assistance from the police when necessary. Shops operating near these schools, found to be supplying drugs to students, are under scrutiny, with the government considering revoking their licenses.
The state's education department is also taking proactive steps. A five-hour induction program focusing on anti-drug campaigns is being prepared for higher secondary students. Developed through workshops involving experts and inter-departmental collaboration, these training modules aim to educate over 400,000 students about the dangers of substance abuse. Selected teachers will undergo special training before schools reopen to effectively deliver this program.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has underscored the importance of addressing the rising substance abuse among youth. He announced rigorous new government measures, including an intensified anti-drug campaign set to begin with the reopening of schools. Vijayan urged teachers to take on supportive roles as counselors and confirmed that the government will provide requisite training. He emphasized addressing drug addiction through counseling and support rather than stigma, advocating for the reintegration and recovery of affected students.
The Student Police Cadet Project, a high school-based initiative by Kerala Police, is also being leveraged to combat this issue. The project trains students to respect laws, practice discipline, and develop civic consciousness, enabling them to resist negative tendencies such as substance abuse. With over 83,000 students currently undergoing training, the SPC Project plays a crucial role in fostering a drug-free environment in schools. Open URL