Sri Vijaya Puram, June 26: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with a series of coordinated awareness activities held across South, North & Middle Andaman, and Nicobar districts. From student rallies and community outreach to cultural performances and sports events, the week-long campaign saw extensive public engagement aimed at promoting a drug-free society.
In the capital, a high-spirited student rally was organised by the Science Wing of the Directorate of Education. More than 120 students marched from the National Memorial Cellular Jail to the State Library at Middle Point, raising slogans and holding placards to spread awareness. The rally was flagged off by Jitender Kumar Meena, Superintendent of Police (CID), in the presence of Education Director Vikram Singh and other senior officials and NGO representatives.
As part of the same programme, students participated in ‘Voices of Children,’ an interactive session with officials from the Anti-Narcotics Police Station and a psychologist from the Directorate of Health Services. A person in recovery from substance abuse also addressed the gathering, sharing a personal story of resilience. The campaign is set to continue with a ‘Movie Day’ featuring creative competitions like reels, meme-making, and a special session on filmmaking techniques.
Meanwhile, a major event was held at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Auditorium in Sri Vijaya Puram, organised jointly by the Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA) and the Directorate of Social Welfare. Attended by Secretary (Social Welfare) L Kumar and South Andaman Deputy Commissioner Arjun Sharma, the event brought together officials from various departments, child care institutions, and NGOs. It began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and a Nukkad Natak performed by the Swachhata Awareness Team of the Municipal Council.
Participants took a collective pledge against drug use, led by a Medical Officer from IRCA. Addresses were delivered on the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and the month-long awareness efforts carried out in partnership with line departments and NGOs. The event concluded with a prize distribution and the National Anthem, with close to 500 participants in attendance.
In North and Middle Andaman, Police Stations led a week-long anti-drug campaign across schools and public spaces. Essay and drawing competitions were conducted in educational institutions, while rallies and awareness drives were held at various locations. Friendly matches in football and table tennis added a sporting edge to the awareness activities, aimed at promoting discipline and healthy lifestyles.
According to district police, nearly 24 kg of methamphetamine, 10 kg of ganja, and six cannabis plants have been seized this year as part of their ongoing crackdown. The police urged citizens to report drug-related crimes through helpline numbers 100, 112, and 03192-273344, with assurance of confidentiality and suitable rewards for informants.
In Car Nicobar, the International Day Against Drug Abuse was observed at the District Library under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) banner. The event, organised by IRCAs under ICDS (Tribal Project), was attended by Deputy Commissioner Amit Kale, who stressed the importance of community involvement in combating addiction. A motivational video and cultural performances by children and youth marked the occasion, reflecting the campaign’s theme, “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention.”
CDPO Sunita Kumari outlined the month-long schedule of activities held from June 1 to June 26. The programme concluded with a prize distribution ceremony honouring winners of various competitions conducted during the campaign.
With strong participation from students, police, educators, health officials, and tribal communities, this year’s observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse across the islands reinforced a collective resolve to prevent substance abuse and promote healthier choices for future generations.
