PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
The police teams along with administrative officials launched surprise drug test drives in a number of schools and colleges here on Monday. The team conducted random urine tests involving about 200 students through drug-testing kits. All the reports came out negative, police said.
Speaking of the matter, the senior superintendent of police, Ajai Singh said that under the Drug-Free Devbhoomi campaign, history sheets are being opened for regular offenders, particularly those charged under NDPS Act. “The teams conducted a surprise drug test in private educational institutions located in Premnagar and Clement Town without giving any prior notice. About 42,000 students have received certificates under the drug-free campaign. They have also given permission for their urine test to be taken at any time,” he said.
He further said that the main purpose of this campaign is to ensure that if any student is found positive counselling could start immediately to cure him or her of the dreaded menace. “If a drug racket is found operating inside colleges or in areas close to them, stringent action will be taken,” he warned.
Police said that medical tests of 227 students have already been done in different institutions. “Before the tests are conducted, students are asked to fill up consent forms and affidavits,” a police officer involved in the campaign said.
During the campaign, police also spoke to the students at length, making them aware of the harmful effects of drug abuse.
Police further warned during the campaign that if any student would be found taking drugs in future, strict action would follow against both the student and the institutions they study in.
