Supply of Narcotics to Children Is Illegal, Says Eagle Force Officer

Hyderabad: The school education department conducted the second phase of its state-level residential workshop on drug abuse prevention for Prahari Club members at Rajendranagar on Thursday, where police officers addressed students and teachers from 11 districts on narcotics, law and prevention.

“Our youth are getting addicted to drugs, and the supply is coming through organised networks. Our goal is to reduce demand through awareness and prevention workshops,” said Saidulu, DSP, EAGLE Force, during his interaction with participants.

Students and Prahari Club in-charge teachers from government schools identified as hot-spot schools in consultation with the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau attended the two-day residential programme. Each district sent participants from three schools, including one Zilla Parishad High School and two Model Schools.

Speaking about narcotic trafficking routes and legal consequences for those involved in selling substances to minors, Srinivas Rao, the inspector of police, EAGLE Force, said, “If any person is found giving or selling intoxicants to children below 18 years of age, the law provides for imprisonment up to seven years.” He said children who are addicted are treated as victims and are referred to de-addiction and rehabilitation centres for counselling and medical support.

“Whenever there is a case in any area, we get a clear picture of the scenario. If cases rise, officers visit frequently and declare the area A-rated until numbers come down,” he said.

Aditya Kumar Singh