Sri Vijaya Puram, June 27: The Andaman and Nicobar Police organised a motorcycle rally involving 205 motorcycles across Sri Vijaya Puram on 26 june to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, intensifying public awareness efforts against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
The programme began at Flag Point, where senior police officers, personnel from various units, including the India Reserve Battalion (IRBn), and members of the public assembled to participate in the campaign. The initiative aimed to strengthen public participation in the fight against narcotics and reinforce the message of a drug-free society.
Before the rally commenced, the Police Kala Manch staged a series of anti-drug awareness skits highlighting the harmful consequences of substance abuse, the dangers posed by illicit drug trafficking and the need for collective responsibility in preventing drug-related crimes. The performances drew an encouraging response from the audience.
Inspector General of Police, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Geeta Rani Verma administered the Anti-Narcotics Pledge to all participants, reaffirming their commitment to supporting efforts aimed at building a drug-free Andaman and Nicobar Islands. She later flagged off the motorcycle rally.
The rally featured 205 motorcycles representing different units of the Andaman and Nicobar Police. Travelling through major roads in Sri Vijaya Puram, participants displayed anti-drug messages designed to create awareness among residents and encourage greater public involvement in preventing drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Addressing the gathering, Geeta Rani Verma said drug abuse and illicit trafficking continue to pose a serious challenge to society and called upon citizens, educational institutions, community leaders and civil society organisations to work together with the police to combat the menace. She stressed that public awareness, community participation and timely sharing of information remain essential in achieving the objective of a drug-free society.
The programme was attended by Deputy Inspector General of Police Jitendra Kumar Meena, DIGP (Law and Order/HQ/Coordination/Recruitment) Rajesh Deo, SSP (Security and Immigration)/Commandant (IRBn)/IG (Prison) Apoorva Gupta, SP, South Andaman District/PMF Shweta K. Sugathan, along with other senior police officers and personnel from various units of the Andaman and Nicobar Police.
The Police reiterated their commitment to preventing drug abuse through sustained public awareness campaigns, community engagement and strict enforcement against drug traffickers. Officials stated that the motorcycle rally reflected the joint resolve of the police and the community to eliminate the threat posed by narcotic substances.
The police also appealed to the public to share information related to drug abuse or illicit trafficking through the dedicated Anti-Narcotics Helpline at 9531856080 or by dialling 112, assuring that the identity of informants will remain strictly confidential.
The awareness campaign formed part of the nationwide observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, with the Andaman and Nicobar Police emphasising community partnership as a key element in tackling drug-related offences across the Islands.
