'Do math, not meth': Bengaluru police advice to students

Hameed Ashraf | NT

Bengaluru: The Bengaluru police have initiated several measures to eradicate drug abuse from the city. Among these is a special drive currently being carried out by the cops in educational institutions to create awareness about drugs and its ill effects, among students.

Police authorities are raising concerns and ensuring preventive measures are being taken and followed by students.

The City Police Commissioner, B Dayananda, spoke to News Trail and said, " It is a matter of great concern that the young generation who are supposed to lead the society are lured into drug addiction," Unfortunately in Bengaluru, drug addiction is no longer confined to the affluent and the poor; the middle class is also under its grip.

Most of the drug peddlers held by the police are said to be either preying on techies or young students for easy money at lesser risks.

"Apart from educating the students, we are also holding talks with the college administration to gather details about any drug menace on campuses and taking preventative measures," the police commissioner added.

The cops believe that the students get access to these substances through their peers and not directly from peddlers. But, often the police themselves have faced a dilemma- whether to treat narcotics as a law order problem or a health issue.

"Regular workshops, seminars and walkathons are being held with the college students to motivate them and to keep them away from these harmful habits. So far we have received an overwhelming response," B Dayananda said.

"We will continue to raise awareness about health and legal issues laid down in Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) cases," he added.

While necessary action is being carried out to cut down the supply and make the 'war on drugs' more effective, the Bengaluru Police Chief had earlier requested the state government to include a lesson on drug addiction in school textbooks.

As part of the campaign, the Bengaluru police have also been sharing witty and catchy one-liners to reach out to the youngsters on social media.

"A friend indeed, won't make you smoke that weed" and "Do Math, not meth" are some of those puns. Additionally, the police have urged Bengalureans to fight the drug menace and said that the secrecy will be maintained if anyone wishes to report any illegal activity in their area.

"We are currently focusing on three key issues: drug abuse, trafficking and cybercrime. Apart from drugs, students are also falling prey to cybercrimes since they are using smartphones and other gadgets; they are also becoming easy targets to online cheaters and frauds," the police commissioner said.

The city police claimed to have held drug awareness events at more than 118 schools and colleges in the city so far.

According to the latest data shared by the police, around 32 cases have been filed till date under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COPTA) although sales and display of tobacco-based products in the vicinity of educational institutes is prohibited.