Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network –Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Jan 5: Police commissioner N Shashi Kumar on Wednesday January 6 issued stringent warning to offenders of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) and asked them to refrain from illegal activities.

Shashi Kumar warned them to refrain from peddling narcotic substances and consuming it. Addressing them he said, "History-sheeters and habitual offenders have been summoned here to study the status of their cases and to check if the accused are regular to the courts. Also, to study that do you have given up all illegal activities and leading a peaceful life.

"Drugs are a menace to the society and it is like termites in the country," he said.

He also said that in the city, the peddlers are also selling drugs to students. He further asked the officials to hold search operations in the houses of habitual offenders and share a good rapport with their family.

Stating that the number of cases have increased and also that peddlers and consumers are procuring drugs through dark web and couriers, the police commissioner said, "If the offenders change their behaviour and refrain from illegal activities, the department will consider to close their cases and rowdy sheets.”

After the drug offenders’ parade, speaking to the media, Shashi Kumar said, "More than 140 NDPS offenders have taken part in this parade. As Mangaluru is the border to Kerala state, there is a sea route and there are many colleges in the city. Drug menace is rampant. Police have identified several sensitive places under 15 police stations under the limits of police commissionerate.

“As criminal cases are connected to drug abuse, police will launch raids and prevent cirme. If there is a need to open rowdy sheets, externment order and Goonda Act will be considered to end drug menace,” he said.

He also urged the public to share information through 112 emergency response systems.

DCP for law and order Hariram Shankar said, “Criminal activities have increased under influence of drugs especially consumption and sale of drugs near beaches and offences against women. Under the influence of ganja, minors are being used to commit crimes. Recently, a police staff was assaulted under the influence of ganja.”

He also said that those who are into illegal activities through the dark web are under radar of the police. “Some think that procuring drugs through dark web, identity will remain in anonymity. The department has a tracking mechanism,” he said.

DCP crime and traffic Vinay Goankar was also present.