Anti-narcotics squad prepares action plan to protect students from drug traffickers

With the reopening of schools and colleges approaching, the anti-narcotics squad in Kozhikode city is preparing a comprehensive action plan to curb the activities of drug traffickers allegedly targeting students through the supply of synthetic narcotics.

Police officers heading enforcement drives say the initiative will focus on strengthening micro-level surveillance around educational institutions and intensifying monitoring of individuals previously booked or convicted in drug trafficking cases. Details of frequent offenders are being compiled as part of efforts to establish a coordinated surveillance mechanism in areas identified as vulnerable to narcotics circulation.

Investigators are also examining the networks of suspected traffickers by analysing the call detail records of individuals believed to have maintained frequent contact with them. Officials say the move is aimed at identifying more members of trafficking chains and those involved in the local distribution of synthetic drugs among youngsters.

The fresh action plan comes in the wake of the recent seizure of nearly 6 kg of suspected MDMA in two separate cases. According to officials, the contraband was allegedly brought to the district with students as the primary target. Police sources say several persons suspected to be part of the trafficking network have already come under scrutiny and that digital evidence collected during the probe is expected to support further action.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) M.M. Abdul Karim, who is temporarily holding additional charge of the Anti-Narcotics Cell, said details of the proposed action plan would be communicated to officers and other stakeholders ahead of the new academic year. Case histories related to major narcotics trafficking incidents targeting students have already been collected from various police stations to facilitate coordinated follow-up action, he said.

To create a safer environment for students, the police have decided to request the active support of school authorities, college managements, local communities, and voluntary organisations. There are proposals to revive school- and college-level vigilance committees and transform them into first responders.

Station House Officers associated with the ongoing anti-drug special drives point out that the committees will not only help identify students suspected of having links with drug traffickers but also support the early identification of those vulnerable to substance abuse. Timely counselling and intervention are expected to be carried out with the assistance of educational institutions and community stakeholders.

Police sources indicate that a directive from the State Police Chief is also expected shortly to strengthen coordinated action against drug abuse. Cooperation among various agencies, including the Excise and Forest departments, Government Railway Police, and Railway Protection Force, is likely to form part of a combined enforcement strategy modelled on joint operations carried out during the election season, they add.