International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking: Awareness events against drug abuse held across city
Commissionerate of customs (preventive), Kochi, conducted an awareness campaign for schoolchildren as part of Mission Drug Free India at Ernakulam Govt Higher Secondary School for Girls. Chief commissioner, central tax, central excise and customs, Shaikh Khader Rahaman inaugurated the function. Commissioner T Tiju conducted awareness session for students.
Infopark hosted a range of programmes featuring a rally by students from eight schools.
Adding a unique touch to the event, Thrikkakara assistant commissioner of police Shiju P S performed a song during inaugural ceremony at Athulya auditorium, helping draw more attention to the cause. Addressing the gathering, Shiju called upon children to earn the courage and determination to say 'no' even to close friends who may encourage them to do wrong things.
Anti-drug rally was taken out from Athulya building to Infopark police station.
Infopark assistant manager Sajith N G administered anti-drug pledge at the conclusion of the rally, which was organized by Infopark police station along with Progressive Techies — a socio-cultural and welfare organization of IT employees.
At Park Centre, which is the administrative hub of IT complex in suburban Kakkanad, employees took an anti-drug pledge in the presence of Infopark CEO Susanth Kurunthil.
Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran inaugurated an anti-drug campaign titled No Entry as part of the launch of a five-year project, SAFE (Substance Abuse Free Environment Village), being implemented in Ernakulam parliamentary constituency under the leadership of Hibi Eden, MP.
Eden said goal of the project is to ensure collaborative efforts of public representatives, educational institutions and social organizations to address the serious challenge of protecting children and youth from influence of intoxicants.
Prithviraj said there is a misconception in society that drugs are a fuel for creativity in film industry. He stated that no great work was ever created under influence of any drug. A drug awareness seminar was organized at Edathala MES MK Mackar Pillai College for Advanced Studies under the leadership of rural district police. An awareness cycle rally was conducted under the guidance of Kodanad police station. Perumbavoor ASP Shakti Singh Arya inaugurated the event.
A pledge against drugs was taken at rural district police headquarters and additional SP M Krishnan administered oath.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Unni Mukundan questioned in manager assault case; Narcotics arrests alleged new manager; Read more
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Actor Unni Mukundan has once again found himself at the centre of a growing controversy. As the Infopark police prepare to file a chargesheet in the alleged assault case involving his former PRO and manager Vipin Kumar, newer revelations and arrests have only added to the intrigue — particularly regarding the people who claim to represent the actor, according to the reports. What we know so far As reported by Telangana Today website, Unni Mukundan was recently questioned at his Kochi flat regarding allegations made by Vipin Kumar, who claimed the actor assaulted him over a social media post praising Tovino Thomas's film 'Narivetta', which came shortly after Unni's own film underperformed. Vipin alleges he was pushed, kicked, verbally abused, and had to seek hospital treatment before filing a police complaint. He also took the matter to FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala). Unni Mukundan, in his defence, has categorically denied the assault, calling the complaint 'malicious and baseless.' He admitted to throwing a mirror in frustration, but denied any physical violence. The actor also denied making negative remarks about Tovino Thomas. Unni Mukundan drops a throwback audition tape Alleged new manager in trouble? As reported by the website Telangana Today, Rincy, a YouTuber and Unni's alleged current so-called manager, was arrested after police recovered 22.5 grams of MDMA from a flat in Palachuvad. The narcotics case is being handled independently but has thrown the spotlight back on the chaotic nature of the actor's inner circle. Unni Mukundan's clarification Amid the media storm, Unni issued a social media statement, clarifying that he has never had a personal manager. All official work is handled directly by him or through his production house. Also he mentione that people misusing his name will face legal action. He urged fans and media to beware of impersonators and 'false representation.' Instagram account hacked Meanwhile it was recently that Unni Mukundan's Instagram handle, according to the actor, was hacked. The account was later recovered and the actor penned a note that read, "I'm pleased to confirm that my official Instagram account @iamunnimukundan has been successfully recovered and is now fully secure. The matter has been thoroughly resolved and full administrative control has been restored."
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Time of India
11 colleges join hands with MBVV Police for drug-free awareness campaign
VASAI: On the occasion of 26 June – International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Anti-Narcotics Branch of the Mira-Bhayandar Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate conducted a concluding rally for its awareness campaign titled 'Nashamukti' (Drug-Free). This campaign was held across educational institutions and colleges located in Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar in which 11 colleges participated. The aim was to educate youth about the harmful effects of drugs and to encourage them to stay drug-free. This campaign included Street plays, Poster & Banner exhibitions, Social Media awareness posts and Student-led educational presentations. The 11 colleges which participated were college, college, Royal college, Shankar Narayan College, Abhinav college, Reena Mehta college, St Gonsalo Garcia college, Annasaheb Vartak college, college, Viva college and Pragati Degree college. Award categories and winning colleges 1 Overall Best Celebration: Viva College, Virar (West) 2 Most Innovative Idea: Reena Mehta College, Bhayandar (West) 3 Best Community Engagement: N.L. Dalmia College, Mira Road (East) 4 Best Educational Campaign: St. Gonsalo Garcia College, Vasai (West) 5 Best Use of Social Media: Pragati College, Vasai (East) Annasaheb Vartk college bagged first prize in Rangoli and Poster making while Reena Mehta college got first prize in reel making about awareness and Shankar Narayan college came first in group dancing and songs on this awareness campaign. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo This final event was organised at the office of the MBVV Police Commissionerate on July 4 with Chief Guest: Mr. Shrikant Pathak (IPS) & Commissioner of Police, MBVV during which Awards and certificates were distributed to the winners. Judging Panel The winners were selected by an expert panel, which included: Dr. Vinayak Patil – Academic Ms. Sneha Thakur – NGO representative Mr. Pratik Naik – Youth Mentor Mr. Ashok Pawar – Police Inspector, Anti-Narcotics
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Time of India
Dubai's candy crush saga: 15 arrested for hiding 50kg of drugs in sweets
Dubai Police seized narcotics disguised as candy during a press briefing on the drug trafficking bust/ Image: (Representative) In a major crackdown against narcotics trafficking, Dubai Police have arrested 15 individuals, ten men and five women, who were allegedly part of a drug syndicate that attempted to smuggle and market narcotic substances disguised as candy. The operation, according to officials, targeted young people via social media platforms, and was announced as part of the UAE's nationwide campaign marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Candy-Laced Drugs Worth Dh2 Million Seized The criminal network was in possession of 50 kilograms of drugs and 1,100 pieces of drug-laced sweets, with a street value estimated at Dh2 million ($544,588 USD), Dubai Police revealed during a press conference held at Dubai Festival City. Brigadier General Dr Abdul Rahman Sharaf Al-Maamari, Director of the International Protection Centre at the General Department of Narcotics Control, told the local news outlet Khaleej Times that the operation was part of a coordinated arrest involving authorities both inside and outside the UAE. "These were a variety of sweets that contained narcotic substances,' said Al-Maamari. 'We seized 50kg of drugs and more than 1,100 tablets mixed with these sweets. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Soluções confiáveis para centros de dados IA Siemens Energy Saiba Mais Undo The suspects marketed the products on social media platforms, targeting the youth.' Social Media Targeting and Parental Vigilance Urged Officials say the group's primary method of marketing was through social media, a tactic designed to attract young consumers. Al-Maamari stressed the critical role families must play in the digital era, especially when it comes to safeguarding children from drug-related content and criminal influence online. 'Regardless of this case or others, we must continue to strengthen awareness efforts,' he said. 'Families play a central role in educating their children about the risks of the digital world, especially when it comes to drug promotion or other criminal activities online.' He warned that the average time individuals spend online is seven hours per day, significantly increasing their exposure to harmful or illegal content. While police systems are in place to monitor suspicious activity online, community and family involvement remain crucial. 'We call on families to monitor what their children are browsing, the messages they receive, and any suspicious packages or online purchases,' Al-Maamari added. 'It's not just the job of police, it's a shared responsibility.' Expanding Awareness Through Community Campaigns T o combat such threats, Dubai Police have scaled up public awareness programmes targeting a wide range of groups including students, parents, blue-collar workers, and delivery drivers. 'We visited labour camps, schools, shopping malls and corporate offices,' Al-Maamari said. 'This year, we expanded our awareness efforts to four major exhibitions instead of one. We reached 270,000 school students and more than 20,000 university students.' Dubai Police also conduct youth training programmes during summer holidays, focused on critical issues such as cybercrime, bullying, substance abuse, and safe digital behaviour. 'This year, the International Protection Centre trained more than 1,300 students across 26 centres,' he stated. 'We aim to build security awareness in every age group.' Public Encouraged to Report Suspicious Activity Residents have been urged to report any suspicious activities through official channels including: The 901 call centre The Police Eye app The e-crime platform 'We involve students in our operations centres to help them overcome any fear of communicating with the police. We ensure full confidentiality for all reports,' Al-Maamari explained. He also pointed to Article 89 of the UAE's Anti-Narcotics Law, which offers immunity from legal prosecution to individuals who voluntarily seek treatment or are assisted by family to do so. 'Last year, we saw a significant increase in people coming forward for treatment,' he said. 'We want the community to know our goal is protection, not punishment.' A Proactive Strategy Against Drug Crime According to Al-Maamari, Dubai Police continuously analyse criminal patterns using data from intelligence reports and police cases. This insight is used to shape more effective awareness and intervention strategies. 'Our strategy is proactive. We don't wait for a crisis to happen. We monitor trends, design targeted campaigns, and act early,' he said.
