There seems to be no let-up in the raids conducted by the Goa Police on drugs after the drug-related death of the BITS Pilani student about a week ago. Significant quantity of drugs have been seized in raids conducted in Borda. Drug seizure was also reportedly affected by the Cuncolim and Quepem police. However what is really disturbing is the availability of drugs at kiosks located near educational institutions. In a raid conducted at a kiosk within 100 metres of a Higher Secondary School at Vaddem in Vasco tobacco products were seized. In more raids conducted in Verna, police seized tobacco products from a mobile shop located within 100 metres of a school at IDC Verna. In another raid a tea shop located within 100 metres of a government school at Zuarinagar was found selling prohibited tobacco products. There needs to be a multi-pronged approach towards tackling drug menace among school students. Police, school administrations and local communities must work in tandem to keep children safe. Prohibiting tobacco sales near schools is a vital step in this direction. Schools should take the lead to conduct sensitization programmes on effects of drug abuse.
