Director General of Police, Telangana, Shri C.V. Anand, IPS, emphasized that protecting the youth from the menace of drugs is essential for securing the nation's golden future. He inaugurated the “Anti-Drug Awareness Week” organized by the Hyderabad Police Commissionerate at the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. The DGP stated that a series of awareness programmes will be conducted across the State from June 22 to 26 in collaboration with schools, colleges, educational institutions, various government departments and social organizations. The initiative is being organized in connection with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26, with the objective of strengthening collective efforts to combat drug abuse.
Delivering the keynote address, Shri C.V. Anand said that the Anti-Drug Awareness Week is dedicated to safeguarding the younger generation. He noted that the programme is being carried out in coordination with the School Education Department, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Customs Department and other agencies.
He observed that while the country has successfully overcome challenges such as terrorism and extremism, drug abuse has emerged as a serious threat affecting every household. Post-COVID, drug consumption has increased in both urban and rural areas, and investigations have revealed that addicted students often draw their friends into the network.
“If there is no demand, there will be no supply. Therefore, reducing the demand for drugs is a collective responsibility of society,” the DGP said. He warned that drug traffickers are increasingly targeting children by mixing narcotic substances with chocolates and biscuits, calling such acts nothing short of anti-national activities. He appealed to families and society to help rehabilitate addicts by admitting them to de-addiction centres.
The DGP cautioned that drug abuse severely damages the heart, brain and overall health and ultimately destroys families. He urged parents to closely monitor their children and called upon the entire police force, from Home Guards to the DGP level, to remain committed to the fight against drugs. He stressed that coordinated efforts with the Education Department, Customs, DRI and other agencies are crucial to effectively tackle the menace.
Shri Anand also advocated the establishment of Anti-Drug Safety Clubs in educational institutions to spread awareness among students. Referring to experiences from certain states, he noted that widespread drug abuse had weakened the youth population and adversely affected economic growth.
Addressing the gathering, Smt. Yogita Rana, Principal Secretary, School Education Department, Government of Telangana, expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of drug abuse among school-going children. She warned students against experimenting with drugs even once, as addiction is difficult to overcome. She urged students to inform teachers, parents or elders if they find their friends consuming drugs and stressed that the issue is a societal concern rather than an individual problem. She called for achieving the goal of “Nasha Mukt Bharat – Nasha Mukt Telangana” by 2029.
Shri Praveen Kumar Bharal, IRS, Joint Director, Enforcement Directorate, Hyderabad, stated that drug consignments are increasingly being detected in parcels arriving from abroad. He said that drugs destroy the dreams and aspirations of the youth and affirmed the commitment of the ED to support awareness and enforcement efforts.
Shri Konduru Prasad, IRS, Additional Director General, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Hyderabad Zonal Unit, observed that India, once considered merely a transit country, is now witnessing a worrying rise in drug consumption. He cautioned students that certain drugs have no colour or taste and can leave users intoxicated and unaware of their actions for nearly 48 hours. He noted that the stringent efforts of Hyderabad Police and the Eagle Force have created a deterrent effect against drug trafficking in the city.
The programme was attended by Hyderabad Commissioner of Police Shri V. C Sajjanar, IPS; Shri Ajajuddin, IRS, Principal Commissioner of Customs; Shri Konduru Prasad, IRS, Additional Director General, DRI; Smt. Yogita Rana, Principal Secretary, School Education Department; Shri Praveen Kumar Bharal, IRS, Joint Director, Enforcement Directorate, and other senior officials.
Students from Government Schools of Panjagutta, Rasoolpura and Begumpet, St. Mary’s College, and TKR College of Pharmacy actively participated in the Anti-Drug Awareness Programme.
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