Wed Mar 19 15:13:11 UTC 2025: **Kochi Polytechnic College Drug Raid Spurs Limited Cooperation with Anti-Drug Campaign**
KOCHI, INDIA – March 19, 2025 – A recent police raid at the Government Polytechnic College in Kalamassery, Kochi, which uncovered nearly two kilograms of suspected ganja, has yielded mixed results in the college’s ongoing anti-drug campaign, “We Can.” While the raid intensified the six-month-old initiative, launched by Principal Aiju Thomas, most of the 60-odd residents of the men’s hostel remain hesitant to fully cooperate.
Fewer than 10 students have taken an anti-narcotics oath administered as part of the campaign. Principal Thomas attributes this reluctance to a combination of fear following the raid, the short notice given for the oath-taking, and the end-of-year academic rush. He anticipates greater participation once the new academic year begins.
The NCC, a key partner in the campaign, reports that most participants are its members, with final-year students showing the least engagement. While awareness of drug use on campus is prevalent, students express reluctance to report incidents due to fear of repercussions and a perceived lack of personal impact. However, two suspected ganja use cases were reported by students and referred to the college counselor.
The college is actively addressing the issue by identifying and sealing at least eight unauthorized entry points, some created by students, which are suspected drug smuggling routes. Future plans include collaborating with enforcement agencies like the Excise Department to implement continuous anti-drug programs on campus.
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