Wed Nov 27 14:59:11 UTC 2024: ## Telangana Launches Statewide Anti-Drug Campaign
**Hyderabad, November 27, 2024** – Telangana is launching a comprehensive campaign to combat its growing drug problem, spearheaded by the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB). Director Sandeep Shandilya emphasized a collaborative approach, stating that success requires participation from police, students, teachers, parents, NGOs, and various institutions. He highlighted the limitations of a solely police-led response, urging citizens to report drug-related information via the Bureau’s toll-free number, 1908.
During a four-day training program at the Dr. MCR HRD Institute, Shandilya addressed university lecturers and NSS coordinators, detailing the dangers of drug abuse, the methods of traffickers, and the alarming rise in drug use across the state. Citing a 2019 Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment report, he noted Telangana’s ranking as third in the nation for hallucinogen use (2.4 lakh people) and fifth for injecting drug use (64,000 people).
The campaign focuses on preventative education. The TGANB is establishing Prahari Clubs in all high schools and Anti-Drug Committees (ADCs) in educational institutions. Currently, Prahari Clubs are present in all 20,989 high schools, with ADCs established in approximately 75% of colleges and universities. Shandilya expressed confidence that education, not solely law enforcement, will be key to achieving a “drug-free Telangana.”
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