23-06-2025
Anti-drug day programmes to be held at Kannur Central Jail
Marking World Anti-Drug Day and the 10th anniversary of the ban on smoking in Kerala's prisons, Malabar Cancer Care Society (MCCS) will conduct a series of awareness programmes at the Kannur Central Jail on June 26.
The events, aimed at promoting drug-free and smoke-free environments, will begin at 2 p.m. and will be inaugurated by Kannur District Medical Officer Dr. Piyush Namboothiripad. The programme will include anti-drug and anti-tobacco awareness sessions led by expert doctors, musical performances by inmates who have overcome substance addiction, and an anti-drug magic show by renowned magician Prashant Vengad.
MCCS president D.D. Krishnanadha Pai said this year also marks a decade since the implementation of the historic smoking ban in Kerala prisons, first enforced in 2015, following a 2014 government order.
He said the initiative was driven by the MCCS after non-smoking inmates lodged complaints about having to share space with smokers. Notably, Kerala became the first State in India to enforce a complete smoking ban inside prisons, which was later adopted by prisons across North India and eventually nationwide, he claimed.
In 2014, MCCS also launched 'No Tobacco Clinics' within prisons, offering monthly counselling and awareness sessions for inmates who wished to quit smoking. The organisation has since continued to lead numerous awareness drives on tobacco and drug addiction in correctional facilities.
The June 26 programme is expected to serve as a powerful reminder of the continued importance of anti-drug and anti-tobacco initiatives, especially within the prison system.
