Mangaluru Police Conduct Random Drug Tests; 20 Students Positive

The first phase of a comprehensive drug-testing initiative led by the Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate has concluded, revealing that 20 students tested positive for drug consumption across multiple educational institutions. This initiative, launched by Sudhir Kumar Reddy, aims to combat the rising issue of drug use among college students in Mangaluru.

Random checks were conducted in a total of 77 educational institutions between June 1 and November 30, with a combined total of 5,069 students tested. In the Mangaluru South sub-division, which includes Ullal and Mangaluru Rural, 1,601 students were tested, resulting in 8 positive cases. Meanwhile, in the Mangaluru Central sub-division, 1,448 students underwent testing, with 6 testing positive. The Mangaluru North sub-division reported no positive cases among 2,020 students tested.

Despite initial resistance from some college administrations, which objected to the random testing protocol, police officials persisted with their plans. In instances where colleges did not cooperate, police conducted checks around campus areas, leading to further positive results. Reports of these findings were subsequently shared with college management, prompting many to reconsider their stance on the initiative.

During off-campus checks, the police tested 30 students from three colleges in Mangaluru South, with no positive results. In the Central sub-division, 88 students from 18 colleges were tested, resulting in 4 positive cases. The North sub-division’s testing of 139 students from 7 colleges resulted in 2 positive cases.

Sudhir Kumar Reddy has suggested that colleges integrate drug testing into their admission processes. He believes that such measures would send a strong message against drug use and help maintain drug-free environments on campuses. Some institutions are already implementing this practice, and Reddy encourages all colleges to follow suit.

The second phase of the drug-testing initiative is scheduled to begin in January. This phase will focus on re-examining students who previously tested positive, in addition to screening newly admitted students across various colleges. The ongoing efforts by the Mangaluru City Police reflect a commitment to reducing drug-related issues within educational institutions and promoting the health and safety of students.