Port Blair, June 21: In a significant move to combat drug abuse and raise public awareness, the Inspector General of Police, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Smt. Sindhu Pillai A, IPS, ceremoniously flagged off the Anti-Drugs Bus from Police Headquarters, Port Blair, in the run-up to the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This initiative highlights the steadfast commitment of Andaman & Nicobar Police to address the pressing issue of drug abuse and foster a well-informed community.

The Anti-Drugs Bus, displaying banners proclaiming "Say No to Drugs," will traverse the streets of Port Blair, making strategic stops at key locations. At these stops, educational materials will be disseminated, and the community will be engaged through street plays ("Nukkad Natak") and informative videos. This multi-faceted approach aims to equip citizens, particularly the youth, with crucial knowledge about the detrimental effects of narcotics on health, relationships, and society at large.

During the flag-off ceremony, Inspector General of Police, A&N Islands, Smt. Sindhu Pillai A, IPS, emphasized the campaign's vital importance. She stated, that "The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking serves as a stark reminder of the global threat posed by drugs. Through initiatives like the Anti-Drugs Awareness Promotional Bus, we aim to educate and empower our community to make informed decisions and reject the scourge of drug abuse."

This initiative is a key component of the Andaman & Nicobar Police's comprehensive strategy to combat drug trafficking and reduce substance abuse. The proactive community engagement and robust educational outreach efforts are designed to create a safer and healthier environment for all residents. The Anti-Narcotics Police Station of A&N Police headed by Shri Rajeev Ranjan, IPS, SP(CID) and Shri Vishesh Dhatterwal, DANIPS, DySP (Narcotics) along with their team has played a commendable role in curbing drug menace.

The Anti-Drugs Awareness Promotional Bus will visit colleges, marketplaces, and other public places, ensuring maximum reach and impact. At each stop, trained personnel will conduct interactive sessions and distribute informative pamphlets that cover various aspects of drug abuse, including prevention, treatment options, and legal ramifications. The street plays, performed by PET team of A&N Police, will portray real-life scenarios to highlight the dangers of drug addiction and encourage the audience to adopt a drug-free lifestyle.

Further, Shri Sanjay kumar Tyagi, IPS, DIGP (Intel) acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various community organizations, educational institutions, and volunteers who have come together to support this campaign. "The fight against drug abuse is a collective responsibility. By joining hands, we can create a resilient community that stands firm against the menace of drugs".

The Andaman & Nicobar Police urge all citizens to participate actively in the events organized by the Anti-Drugs Awareness Promotional Bus and to spread the message of a drug-free society. Together, we can build a future where our youth are safe, healthy, and empowered to reach their full potential.