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Kerala launches drive against drug abuse

THE CONGRESS-LED United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala has launched a state-wide drive against substance abuse.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala ordered the drive on Monday following seizure of liquor and suspected narcotic drugs from a private luxury tourist boat at Cochin on Sunday night.

A police team led by Ernakulam North sub-inspector Honey K Das swooped on the vessel when it was getting ready to move to outer sea from the Marine Drive much to the shock of 60 partying youths, including 10 women.

Besides several packets of suspected narcotic drugs, the police team seized 12 cases of beer and 15 bottles of liquor from the boat and arrested four persons, including a woman who organised the party, which was organised under the aegis of ‘My Kochi Online’, a Facebook group. Police suspect a prominent city-based hotelier and film producer behind the event. The police have mounted a search for him. The vessel owner would also be booked since he did not have license to serve liquor on the boat.

The incident comes a fortnight after recovery of drugs following a raid at dance party in a star hotel in the city. The police think the party goers might have taken to see due to the vigil they have mounted on hotels organising night parties.

Excise Minister K Babu said substance abuse was rising alarmingly in the state. He said that the government could not intervene effectively against the menace as the Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act lacked teeth. The law does not provide for non-bailable offence on seizure of lower quantity of drugs. He said that the state government will approach the federal government seeking amendments to the Act to include more stringent provisions.

The Home Minister said that an international drug racket was active in the state. The government has already launched an anti-drug campaign in all schools in the state last month after intelligence reports said a drug racket was supplying tobacco and narcotics to school children.

Ramesh said that he had instructed the police to uproot the racket. The police have been directed to shut the source and nab the users. Cases will be registered and all those involved in drug abuse will be booked.

“The use of drugs at late night parties in five-star hotels would be dealt with iron hand. Action will be initiated against all those involved in drug abuse irrespective of their position or money power. I have asked the police to continue the raids and stop the menace,” Ramesh said.