Youth urged to join anti-drug fight

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Police Commissioner S.D. Sharanappa addressing students during a programme to mark International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at Sharnbasva University in Kalaburagi on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Police Commissioner S.D. Sharanappa on Tuesday called upon youngsters to become “force multipliers” in the fight against drug abuse by assisting the police in curbing illegal trafficking and sale of narcotic substances.

Speaking at a programme organised jointly by Sharnbasva University and the Kalaburagi Police Commissionerate to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Police Commissioner said that the menace of drugs cannot be tackled by law enforcement agencies alone and it required active cooperation from civil society, particularly the youth.

“Students and people should remain vigilant and promptly inform the police about any illegal drug-related activities in their localities by contacting the police or dialling the emergency helpline 112. The identity of such informers will be kept confidential,” the Police Commissioner said, while addressing students at the packed Doddappa Appa Auditorium on the university campus.

“Drug addiction is destroying the lives of young people during their most productive years and causing irreparable damage to families, society and the nation’s economy. Most of the drug users belong to the 18-35 age group. Experimenting with drugs might appear easy, overcoming addiction is extremely difficult,” Mr. Sharanappa said.

Expressing concern over the rising incidence of drug abuse in the city, the Police Commissioner said that the number of identified drug addicts in Kalaburagi has increased to more than 500 in 2025 from around 50-60 a few years ago, with another 100 fresh cases reported this year. He stressed the need for collective efforts to reverse the alarming trend.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Yellandur Shalu, Sharnbasva University Registrar Lakshmi Patil Maka, Registrar (Evaluat