Udupi, Oct 25: Drug menace has been tightening its grip across the state and addressing the matter Mangaluru (north) MLA Dr Bharath Shetty said, "Teenagers are falling victims to drug addiction. Over 10% of the teenagers will try drugs out of the curiosity for the first time, but 90 per cent of adolescent turn addicts."
He was speaking at a drug-free Karnataka campaign organized by Udupi BJP Yuva Morcha at Tiger Circle, Manipal here on Saturday, October 24.
"Youngsters also involve themselves in criminal activities to earn money to avail drugs. Therefore, politicians need to have the will to control drug supply in society. Parents, teachers and the public should work together in order to get rid of the drug menace from the root level," the MLA said.
"Parents play a crucial role in creating awareness among children in their youth. Drug supply is a serious evil of society. We should give a logical end to sever this drug supply chain," he said.
Kuilady Suresh Nayak district BJP president speaking on the occasion said, "Punjab is the highest consumer of drugs in the state. State police are determined to wipe out the drug menace in Karnataka. If the drug supply continues in this way, many parents will lose their children and this should not happen. The awareness should begin from us to make Udupi a drug free district."
A street play on drug awareness was performed by artists of Nava Bharatha Nirmana Vedike team Karkala and Kundapur Miracle dance crew performed a dance on a patriotic song.
Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde president, Coastal Development Authority, Shreesha Nayak vice president, district BJP, Yashpal Suvarna and Kutyaru Naveen Shetty chief secretaries, district general secretary Shwetha, state secretary of Yuva Morcha Ravindra Madivala, Yuva Morcha Karkala secretary Veena Shetty, district president Mahila Morcha Geethanjali Suvarna zilla panchayat member, Sheela K Shetty vice president zilla panchayat were present.
Akshith Shetty Herga secretary, BJP Yuva Morcha delivered the keynote address. Vikhyath Shetty district president BJP Yuva Morcha welcomed the gathering.