Police to clamp down on drug abuse

Kochi: Police and school authorities sought the help of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to control drug abuse among students. They alerted NCB and said that over 50 students in schools and colleges around Kochi were involved in drug abuse and trafficking. Details of the students were given by the authorities.
"Peer pressure and experimentation are the major reasons for children getting addicted to drugs.Substance abuse is more prevalent as elements such as thinner, nail-polish remover and lighter fluid are easily accessible to them," said NCB superintendent Venugopal G Kurup.
He was speaking at the student care project seminar, organized as part of the International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit trafficking, at St Albert's Higher Secondary School. "Extremely destructive chemical drugs such as LSD, PCP and ketamine are taking over conventional drugs like heroin, hashish and ganja," Kurup added.
Meanwhile, Kochi city police have launched a novel initiative to curb drug abuse among children. The police have installed a software in 53 schools in the city to monitor the attendance of students. Absentees will be later analyzed to find suspected chances of drug abuse.
Public can alert about drug abuse activities or students who are seen roaming during school hours on: 0484 2385006.