Kerala sees increased drug abuse among college students

Authorities in Kerala are raising alarms about rising drug use among students after a significant cannabis seizure at a college hostel. On March 13, police raided the men’s hostel at Government Polytechnic College in Kalamassery and found nearly 2 kg of ganja. Three final-year students were arrested during the operation. The raid was prompted by intelligence that drugs were being stored for Holi celebrations. Police conducted the raid swiftly, blocking exits and searching all rooms simultaneously to prevent any shifting of drugs. The arrested students are facing serious charges, as possessing such a quantity of ganja could lead to long prison sentences. The incident has sparked political controversy. Some officials allege that one of the arrested students, who is involved with the Students Federation of India, received preferential treatment. In response, the federation expelled him, stating they do not tolerate drug-related activities. Experts view drug problems on campuses as a reflection of deeper societal issues. Political leaders have exchanged blame, arguing that drug use is rampant in schools, not just isolated to specific institutions. Various student organizations are attempting to combat this issue through campaigns and stricter monitoring of students. In reaction to the hostel incident, local police are enhancing surveillance around educational institutions. They have also created a list of habitual offenders involved with drugs. Concerns persist about the environment in college hostels, which often suffer from poor management and accessibility issues, making them susceptible to drug trafficking. The Kerala government is now considering stricter regulations for hostel admissions, including parent declarations and increased surveillance through CCTV. Officials warn that if the drug problem is not addressed urgently, it could have dire consequences for future generations of students.