South Goa police reportedly carried out a series of drives across the district to crack down on drug-related activities and sale of tobacco products near schools in order to ensure a smoke-free school zone. It is learnt that 167 shops near school premises were inspected during the drive and surprisingly 141 shops and establishments were found violating the law and were prosecuted under appropriate law. This amounts to 84 per cent of the shops near educational institutions selling tobacco products. Section 6 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, restricts the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions. Tobacco use in children and adolescents has serious, wide-ranging effects on their health and development. Smoking is a major risk factor for various cancers. Nicotine is highly addictive and can contribute to anxiety and depression in young smokers and can lead to substance abuse later in life. The prohibition of tobacco sales near schools is a vital measure to protect young people and promote healthier communities. Such a drive needs to be intensified and carried out across the state.
