The Cyberabad police has directed all schools, colleges, universities, coaching centres, sports academies and residential educational institutions within its jurisdiction to constitute Anti-Drug Committees as part of a wider effort to curb drug abuse among students and young people.

A notification issued by Cyberabad Police Commissioner M. Ramesh stated that credible information and reports had indicated instances of the sale, possession, purchase, transportation and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances among students and youth in certain educational institutions.

The notification said drug abuse posed a serious threat to public health, student safety, educational standards and public order, making preventive intervention necessary.

Under the new orders, every educational institution must establish an Anti-Drug Committee comprising at least five members drawn from the management, faculty, students, hostel administration and, wherever feasible, parents’ representatives. Institutions have also been instructed to appoint a nodal officer to coordinate with local police and other law enforcement agencies.

The order requires campuses to prominently display awareness material and warning boards highlighting the consequences of drug abuse and provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Heads of institutions have also been directed to conduct awareness meetings at the beginning of every academic year involving faculty members, hostel wardens, students, parents and police officials.

The Anti-Drug Committees will be responsible for organising awareness programmes, seminars, workshops, counselling sessions and outreach activities on a regular basis. Institutions have also been asked to maintain vigilance on campuses and in hostels and immediately inform police if any student or individual is found or suspected to be involved in drug-related activities.

The notification further directs educational institutions to report information relating to drug peddling, consumption or other illegal narcotics-related activities to local police stations, Dial 112 or Cyberabad police helpline numbers.

Managements have been instructed to take all necessary administrative and preventive measures to eliminate the drug menace within and around their premises and to fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies. Anti-Drug Committees will also be required to maintain records of meetings, awareness programmes and preventive measures undertaken.

The directions have been extended to private hostels, paying guest accommodations and co-living facilities that house students and employees within the Cyberabad commissionerate limits.

The notification came into effect from Friday, June 26, and will remain in force until modified or withdrawn through a subsequent order.