Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 22: South Andaman District Police registered 15 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and seized more than 9.3 kg of methamphetamine, charas and ganja during the past 60 days, as enforcement against narcotics and illicit liquor continued under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
The 15 narcotics cases resulted in the seizure of 1.05257 kg of methamphetamine, 523.75 grams of charas and 7.77355 kg of ganja. Police arrested 33 accused persons in connection with these cases, according to a press release issued by the Office of the Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District.
The district police also registered 62 cases under excise laws during the same period. These operations resulted in the seizure of 360.305 litres of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and 58 kg of handia. A total of 62 people were apprehended in connection with the alleged illegal sale and distribution of liquor.
Police said the seized drugs and illicit liquor were taken into custody after the required legal formalities. The cases were registered at the concerned police stations under the NDPS Act and Excise Regulation Act.
The enforcement drive has been accompanied by an awareness campaign, with more than 50 programmes conducted at different locations across South Andaman.
Schools formed a significant part of the outreach. Police conducted 23 programmes involving approximately 3,672 students and 161 teachers. The sessions focused on the harmful effects associated with drug abuse and alcohol addiction, as well as the consequences of illicit trafficking.
Awareness programmes at public places reached approximately 1,300 members of the general public. The initiatives sought to increase awareness about the adverse consequences of substance abuse and encourage community participation in efforts to prevent drug-related activities.
The district police has also used social media as part of its awareness efforts. Six motivational videos featuring personalities from the Islands, P. P. Mohd. Mustafa, Rashida Iqbal, Shiyad, R. Sanjana, Disha Singh and Sayantika Mistry, have been used to reach students and members of the public.
The videos address the physical, psychological, social and legal consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. They also highlight provisions of the NDPS Act and stress resisting peer pressure, making informed and responsible choices and maintaining a drug-free lifestyle.
The police has appealed to residents to share credible information concerning drugs and the illegal sale, storage or transportation of liquor. Information can be reported through 112 (ERSS), 03192-232100 (Police Control Room), 03192-236641 (SP(D), South Andaman Office), 1933 (MANAS) and 9531856080 (PS Anti Narcotics).
The police said informants would be suitably rewarded and that their identities would remain strictly confidential.
