Cops Plan Proactive Measures To Safeguard Schoolchildren From Drug Peddlers
Hyderabad: Following the discovery of a crime methodology, wherein drug peddlers targeted schoolchildren by selling them marijuana-laced chocolates through a general store, the Shamshabad police on Thursday promised to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of schoolchildren.
On Tuesday, three Odisha-based drug peddlers were held by the Kothur police for selling drug-laced chocolates — covered in yellow and gold packets, labelled as ‘Charminar Gold Munakka’ — at Rs 20 each. The incident came to light after school staff noticed abnormal behaviour among students, following which the police seized eight kilograms of the same from a general store near the school.
Shamshabad DCP Narayana Reddy told Deccan Chronicle that a comprehensive strategy will be worked upon to tackle the issue. “Prevention is the key to counter such cases,” he said, urging security personnel, teachers and civilians to remain vigilant, especially around schools.
“They don't show up immediately on Day One to sell these; they tend to visit the area often and keep a watch on the kids, try and talk to them to understand who is most likely to fall into their trap,” he said.
In addition to increased awareness, DCP Reddy stressed the importance of schools teaching students not to accept such offerings from strangers. “This time, it was chocolates; next time it could be biscuits or jellies or other candies,” he said.
He urged individuals to report suspicious activities to the police and assured discretion, with regard to handling the case and also the identity of informers.
Highlighting the need for proactive community involvement, the DCP said that they would be holding educational campaigns to sensitise students and teachers about drug abuse. “These campaigns will focus on educating the community about the modus operandi employed by peddlers and how to identify potential threats and the dangers of drug abuse,” he said.
State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) director Radha Reddy acknowledged the urgency to train teachers and principals, through seminars, on being aware and alert to such issues. “We did have training regarding the same earlier; we could organise something similar soon,” she said.
