Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has said that the government will extend the ‘Clean Campus, Safe Campus’ project, at present being implemented in schools, to colleges as well.
Inaugurating the observance of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking organised by the Kerala Police here on Friday, Mr. Chennithala said the police would not hesitate to raid schools and college campuses, if necessary.
A short film featuring actor Mammootty, aimed at creating awareness among students about the evils of drugs, was getting ready and would be soon shown in schools and colleges, he said.
Strict measures were being taken against those who sell drugs near schools, colleges, bus stands, and railway stations. Raids were being conducted in such areas and illegal substances were being seized. As many as 36,857 raids had been conducted, 927 cases registered, and 7,796 persons arrested so far.
However, those who were arrested were getting away lightly. The State was planning to approach the Centre for a review of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Special vigil would be maintained in border areas to prevent the entry of tobacco and other intoxicating substances into the State.
Addressing the function, State Police Chief T.P. Senkumar advised the students present at the function to report to teachers or elders if they were approached to try drug-related addictive substances.
