Hyderabad – The Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB) has initiated a three-day anti-drug abuse campaign aimed at eradicating drug misuse in the state and promoting rehabilitation for youth. Running from October 23 to October 26, the campaign seeks to transform Telangana into a drug-free state. As part of this initiative, TGANB is establishing Prahari Clubs in high schools and Anti-Drug Committees (ADCs) across educational institutions. These clubs are designed to engage students in proactive measures to prevent drug abuse and curb the illegal sale of narcotics in school zones and child care facilities.
To date, an impressive 4,511 Prahari Clubs have been established in various educational institutions throughout the region. Addressing the pressing issue of drug abuse, TGANB officials emphasized that the collaboration of students, educators, and community stakeholders is vital in combating this growing menace. While law enforcement agencies, including the police, play a significant role in tackling drug-related crimes, their efforts alone are insufficient to address the complexity of the issue. One alarming statistic highlighted by TGANB is the low conviction rate under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
As it stands, only 4 percent of cases detected by the Telangana Prohibition and Excise Department result in convictions, while only 11 percent of cases identified by the police see similar outcomes. To combat this issue, TGANB has announced that training programs for investigative officers will be implemented to improve the effectiveness of drug-related prosecutions. During a seminar held at the Marichenna Reddy HRD Institute, TGANB Director Sandeep Shandilya addressed students, emphasizing the campaign's primary goal to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of drugs. He urged participants to become "anti-drug soldiers," committing themselves to the ongoing fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. As the campaign unfolds, TGANB aims to foster a sense of responsibility and vigilance among the youth of Telangana, encouraging them to stand united against the scourge of drug abuse in their communities.