Kozhikode rural police will form a ward-level vigilance committee to combat substance abuse

Kozhikode rural police have begun steps to form a ward-level vigilance committee to curb drug abuse and drug trafficking. House officials have been directed to hold a Panchayat-level meeting with local administrators and elected ward members to discuss the implementation of the action plan.

Police have proposed forming a ward-level vigilance committee in response to the growing presence of drug promoters in rural Kozkod and their involvement in criminal activities.

As part of an effort to seek public support, the police organized an open convention in rural areas, unveiled by Yathish Chandra, Deputy Inspector General of Police (North District). He had earlier talks with senior officials to finalize action plans that could be implemented in community participation in vulnerable areas.

“Our goal is to build a strong network of residents that can help prevent substance abuse and observe the movement of suspicious users,” said a senior police officer involved in the anti-drug campaign. He added that the vigilance committee will play a key role in establishing a reliable network of informants.

The heads of various Grama Panchayats, Block Panchayats and municipalities expressed support for the plan to establish a ward-level vigilance committee. Municipal councillors and ward members are contacting their respective station House officials to speed up the formation of the committee and start the publicity campaign. They said the committees are structured to encourage participation of young people, teachers, residents’ associations, local club representatives, political leaders, businessmen and volunteers.

Some local agencies have also proposed forming women’s groups to raise awareness among mothers about the importance of drug abuse. Initially, support from organizations such as the Kudumbashree mission will be sought to establish a ward-level committee. The female police officer is also expected to assist in planning women’s social awareness initiatives.

“The police alone cannot lead a large-scale campaign against drug abuse and trafficking. If the ward-level committee becomes active and effective, we will better address this issue,” said the Deputy Police Officer of the Anti-Drug Team. He added that law enforcement efforts are underway, with more than 400 suspects booked in various drug-related cases over the past month and a half.