In a first-of-its-kind rehabilitation initiative launched by the Visakhapatnam City Police, 24 persons who recovered from drug and alcohol addiction were provided employment and livelihood opportunities, marking a significant step towards building a ‘Drug-Free Visakhapatnam’.
The beneficiaries have been supported through the ‘Rehabilitation of Drug and Alcohol Addicts’ programme held at the Police Conference Hall on Monday. Home Minister V Anitha attended the programme as the chief guest.
Briefing about the programme, Commissioner of Police, Shankabratha Bagchi said that following successful completion of treatment and rehabilitation, the police facilitated opportunities with the support of private organisations and voluntary agencies to ensure the individuals become financially independent and do not relapse into addiction.
He said that of the 24 individuals, 17 secured jobs in various organisations as helpers, barbers, security guards, and grocery store workers, while seven were provided vehicles to earn their livelihood independently. Among those provided vehicles, three received auto-rickshaws and four were given two-wheelers, enabling them to work with platforms such as Blinkit, Rapido, Uber and Swiggy.
Addressing the gathering, Ms Anitha said that the crime rate the State had declined by around 14% under the present government compared to the previous regime. She attributed the reduction in crime to stringent enforcement measures and the government’s intensified crackdown on ganja cultivation, transportation and consumption across the State. She said the police have seized properties worth nearly ₹24 crore belonging to ganja smugglers and booked several habitual offenders under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, creating a strong deterrent against those involved in the illegal narcotics trade.
As part of strengthening anti-drug enforcement, the Minister said that the enforcement teams have been using special ganja testing kits that will enable police personnel to quickly identify and test suspected narcotic substances during field inspections and investigations, thereby improving the effectiveness of enforcement operations.
Highlighting the government’s preventive measures, Ms. Anitha said awareness campaigns are being conducted across various age groups, including with children as young as 13 years, to educate them about the harmful effects of drug abuse. She said innovative outreach programmes are being organised to sensitise students, youth and parents about the dangers of narcotics.
The Minister also revealed that several parents have been contacting emergency helplines 1972 and 112 seeking assistance to admit their children to rehabilitation centres. She assured that the identity of such families is kept completely confidential and the police ensure that those seeking help receive the necessary counselling, treatment and rehabilitation without fear of social stigma.
Commending the Visakhapatnam City Police, the Home Minister described the Commissionerate’s rehabilitation initiative as a model for the State.
