A recent drug bust at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) in Tambaram, Chennai, has shed light on a concerning trend involving college dropouts and their role in promoting narcotics use and trade among students. Investigators have revealed that these dropouts have been instrumental in drawing younger students into the illicit drug market, targeting them with cheaper prices for ganja (cannabis). They have also been found to connect students with peddlers in states like Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, expanding the reach of the drug network.
The investigation revealed a worrying modus operandi. Students, often returning from their hometowns, would bring ganja back by train and discreetly distribute small quantities among their peers. This ease of access, combined with the influence of these dropouts, has normalized drug use among some students, according to an investigating officer from Tambaram police.
The extent of the problem was further emphasized during the raid conducted by the Tambaram city police. Over 1,000 police personnel conducted searches across 500 flats, primarily occupied by students, finding hookah pipes and related equipment in 90% of the flats. This indicates a widespread culture of drug use within the student community.
The operation resulted in the registration of 20 cases and the arrest of 21 individuals, including 11 students from SRMIST and a known history-sheeter, Selvamani (29). While 11 students were released on bail, the remaining individuals, including Selvamani, were remanded in judicial custody.
This incident has raised alarm bells about the vulnerability of young students to drug addiction and criminal influences. Police have urged college authorities to implement stricter oversight, emphasizing the need for close monitoring of student activities and reporting any suspicious behavior. This proactive approach is crucial to protect vulnerable students and prevent the spread of drug abuse within educational institutions.
