Udupi: There is 20% increase in offences related to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act every year in the country said Annamalai K, District Superintendent of Police. He was speaking after flagging off ‘Say no to Drugs’ walkathon organized by All College Students Union together with District Police and Rotary Kota – City here on March 2.
Our economic growth is increasing at 7-8% but there is 20% increase in offences related Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The crime rate relating to rape cases, theft cases are under control but the offences related to NDPS Act are still increasing. There are a huge number of students in Udupi district, utilization of bulletins, posters can create awareness of the effects due to drug consumption, he added.
Dr P V Bhandary, Medical Director of A V Baliga Memorial Hospital said that cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption is the gateway for consuming drugs. Drugs influence violence disturbs mental health and also personality. ‘Say not to first puff and first peg’, he added.
Annamalai later administered oath to the students. Later Students walked in a rally starting from Town Hall which culminated at the Clock Tower.
Ajay Kumar, Harikrishna, Jayakar Shetty Indrali, Dinakar Shetty, Kumarswamy, Dr U Ganesh, Rohini, Bhavanth Poojary and others were present.
Nice concept to bring awareness on Drug addiction and alcohol addiction among people, especially youth. But just one day awareness program with a coverage in the media will not solve the problem- the organizers need to follow up on this awareness programme, and report to law enforcement officials if they see any illegal drug activities etc etc-that’s the only way we can solve this drug and alcohol problems. Get the drug peddlers off the street-Best of luck!