News Flash Daily
05 March 
More than 1,200 students screened in Bengaluru’s West Division, laboratory tests confirm drug consumption in 31 cases; police stress counselling and rehabilitation over punishment
Bengaluru: A drug screening drive conducted across several educational institutions in Bengaluru has revealed that 31 students tested positive for narcotic substance consumption, according to officials. The testing was carried out as part of the ‘Sanmitra’ anti-drug initiative launched by the Karnataka Police to build a drug-free society and raise awareness among youth.
Authorities said the special inspection was conducted in educational institutions located in the West Division of the city. During the operation, more than 1,200 students voluntarily provided urine samples for screening. Out of these, 585 samples were randomly selected for laboratory testing, and results confirmed 31 positive cases of drug consumption.
Officials clarified that the identities of the students will remain strictly confidential. The police stated that the main objective of the campaign is rehabilitation and awareness rather than punishment.
“Students who tested positive will receive counselling from mental health professionals and necessary medical assistance. Their personal and family details will be kept completely confidential,” officials said.
Counselling and Rehabilitation Measures
According to police authorities, students identified through the screening process will undergo professional counselling and medical evaluation to help them overcome substance dependence. Parents will also be included in the counselling process to ensure family support and long-term recovery.
Police officials are currently collecting background information from students who have come to the city from different districts and states for higher education. The campaign aims to understand the spread of drug usage among youth and prevent further escalation.
Screening Conducted with Institutional Permission
The anti-drug operation was conducted after obtaining formal permission and ‘No Objection Certificates’ from institutional managements. Authorities carried out N-MASS (Narcotics Monitoring, Assistance and Screening System) checks at six educational institutions and two hostels in the West Bengaluru division.
Medical professionals and technical staff from multiple hospitals assisted in the screening process to ensure accurate testing and proper medical protocols. Officials confirmed that doctors and healthcare staff handled sample analysis and verification during the operation.
Objective: Prevent Youth from Falling into Drug Abuse
Police officials emphasised that the primary goal of the Sanmitra campaign is to prevent students from becoming victims of drug addiction and to create awareness in educational environments. The initiative will continue in other colleges and institutions across the city in the coming days.
The development was also reported by citing police officials involved in the operation.
