Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 23 June 2024
In a significant move to combat drug abuse and raise public awareness, the Inspector General of Police, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Ms. Sindhu Pillai A, IPS, ceremoniously flagged off the Anti-Drugs Awareness Promotional Bus from Police Headquarters in Port Blair. This event precedes the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, underscoring the Andaman & Nicobar Police’s steadfast commitment to tackling drug abuse and fostering an informed community.
The Anti-Drugs Bus, prominently displaying banners with the message “Say No to Drugs,” will travel through Port Blair, making strategic stops at key locations. At these stops, the bus will distribute educational materials and engage the community through street plays (Nukkad Natak) and informative videos. This multi-faceted approach aims to educate citizens, particularly the youth, about the detrimental effects of narcotics on health, relationships, and society.
During the flag-off ceremony, Ms. Sindhu Pillai emphasised the campaign’s critical importance, stating, “The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking serves as a stark reminder of the global threat posed by drugs. Through initiatives like the Anti-Drugs Awareness Promotional Bus, we aim to educate and empower our community to make informed decisions and reject the scourge of drug abuse.”
This initiative is a key component of the Andaman & Nicobar Police’s comprehensive strategy to combat drug trafficking and reduce substance abuse. The proactive community engagement and robust educational outreach efforts are designed to create a safer and healthier environment for all residents. The Anti-Narcotics Police Station of A&N Police, headed by Mr. Rajeev Ranjan, IPS, SP (CID), and Mr. Vishesh Dhatterwal, DANIPS, DySP (Narcotics), along with their team, has played a commendable role in curbing the drug menace.
The Anti-Drugs Awareness Promotional Bus will visit colleges, marketplaces, and other public places, ensuring maximum reach and impact. At each stop, trained personnel will conduct interactive sessions and distribute pamphlets covering various aspects of drug abuse, including prevention, treatment options, and legal ramifications. The street plays, performed by the PET team of A&N Police, will portray real-life scenarios to highlight the dangers of drug addiction and encourage the audience to adopt a drug-free lifestyle.
Mr. Sanjay Kumar Tyagi, IPS, DIGP (Intel), acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various community organisations, educational institutions, and volunteers supporting this campaign. “The fight against drug abuse is a collective responsibility. By joining hands, we can create a resilient community that stands firm against the menace of drugs,” he said.
Andaman & Nicobar Police urge all citizens to actively participate in the events organised by the Anti-Drugs Awareness Promotional Bus and to spread the message of a drug-free society. Together, we can build a future where our youth are safe, healthy, and empowered to reach their full potential.