Several campaigns held to make Madurai drug-free: Collector
He was speaking at the launch of the statewide 'Drug Free Tamil Nadu' campaign inaugurated by deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin via video conference at American College on Monday.
"Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin's motive is to create a drug-free state. Similarly, we need to make Madurai drug-free, and various awareness programmes have been held in collaboration with students and volunteers. Since January this year, the district conducted 786 awareness programmes, 228 rallies, 37 meetings, 13 plays, and 10 debates on drug prevention," the collector said.
Praveenkumar urged youngsters not to get into drugs, saying that even a small amount could lead to addiction. "Each one must ensure that their families are free of drug addiction at the household level. Subsequently, we must ensure a drug-free street environment in Madurai," he said.
According to a statement by Madurai police, anti-drug clubs have been organised in 187 schools and 30 colleges. In the last three years, 753 people were accused in ganja cases, and 542 were convicted. Nearly 1,105 were accused in gutka cases, and 755 were convicted, the statement added.
The event was presided over by mayor Indrani Ponvasanth, commissioner of police (Madurai city) J Loganathan, and superintendent of police (Madurai rural) B K Arvind, in the presence of college students and volunteers.
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