Sri Vijaya Puram, June 26: A large-scale anti-drug awareness campaign was carried out across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from June 15 to 25 as police and district administrations intensified efforts to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking through sustained public outreach under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The initiatives, organised to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, focused on educating communities about the social, legal and health consequences of narcotics while encouraging citizens to actively assist law enforcement agencies.
The awareness campaign covered North & Middle Andaman and South Andaman districts through a combination of rallies, walkathons, awareness programmes, training sessions, civic meetings and sports activities aimed at engaging youth, students, villagers and the general public.
Across North & Middle Andaman District, authorities organised awareness programmes for students, youth and rural communities alongside fitness and lifestyle training sessions, market-area rallies and large-scale walkathons. Police personnel, officials from various government departments, healthcare workers and members of the public participated in the events.
District authorities also convened civic meetings to promote vigilance against drug trafficking while addressing local community concerns. Participants were informed about the harmful effects of substance abuse, the legal consequences associated with narcotics offences and the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles. The programmes highlighted police-public cooperation and community participation as essential components in preventing drug-related crimes.
South Andaman Police simultaneously organised a series of awareness drives, public rallies and sporting events across multiple police station jurisdictions to reinforce anti-drug messaging and strengthen community engagement.
Police Station Ograbraj conducted an awareness programme at Chouldari Market followed by a friendly volleyball match at Namunaghar to encourage healthy recreational activities. Police Station Chatham organised an awareness rally at Haddo, while Police Station Pahargaon conducted a similar programme at Bathubasti to sensitise residents about the dangers of narcotic substances and the need for community vigilance.
At Hut Bay, police organised a friendly football match involving police personnel and local youth, promoting sports as a positive alternative to substance abuse.
On June 25, Police Station Humfrygunj conducted a six-kilometre Youth Awareness Marathon from Humfrygunj Junction to Dhanikari Junction and back. The event witnessed participation from youth, members of the public and police personnel before concluding with an Anti-Drug Pledge reaffirming collective commitment towards a drug-free society.
Authorities stated that drug abuse continues to pose serious risks to individuals, families and society by affecting physical and mental health, contributing to financial hardship, criminal activity and loss of productive potential among young people.
The district administrations urged citizens to report information related to drug trafficking and other illegal activities. In North & Middle Andaman, information can be shared with the nearest police station or through helpline numbers 100, 112 and 03192-273344. South Andaman Police appealed to residents to report drug-related activities through the MANAS Helpline 1933, Police Helpline 112 or WhatsApp number 9531856080, assuring confidentiality and appropriate rewards for credible information.
