Fri Jul 04 03:30:13 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

The Kerala High Court is concerned about rising drug abuse among children in Kochi. They’ve asked the state government for an action plan to address the problem, noting that Kochi has the highest number of drug cases in Kerala according to state data. The court also requested a senior police officer to focus on the city’s situation, finding the government’s current data lacking in qualitative analysis. While the government highlights its “Operation D-HUNT” drug enforcement initiative, the court believes the situation is more severe than data suggests.

**News Article:**

**Kerala High Court Demands Action Plan to Combat Rising Drug Abuse Among Children in Kochi**

**KOCHI, KERALA – July 4, 2025** – The Kerala High Court has expressed serious concerns over the escalating issue of drug abuse among children in Kochi, demanding the State government formulate a comprehensive action plan to address the problem.

During a hearing on Thursday, a bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice C. Jayachandran questioned the government’s existing strategies and directed the District Police Chief (Kochi City) to appear in person or virtually at the next hearing to offer suggestions for a more effective plan. The court was reviewing petitions filed by concerned citizens, including Sumi Joseph, a parent, and the Kerala State Legal Services Authority, all seeking greater government intervention.

While the Home department presented data indicating Kochi recorded the highest number of drug cases in Kerala between 2015 and 2024, with a total of 53 cases, the court criticized the lack of in-depth analysis. Judges pointed out the absence of qualitative studies identifying trends or underlying causes driving the alarming figures. The court has requested the assistance of a senior police officer specifically focused on the Kochi situation.

Sumi Joseph, who submitted additional materials highlighting the severity of the problem, believes the actual situation on the ground is far worse than the official data suggests.

The Home department cited its ongoing “Operation D-HUNT” as a key strategy to combat the drug menace, detailing significant seizures and counselling services provided to identified addicted children. However, the court remains skeptical, emphasizing the need for a more targeted and comprehensive approach focused specifically on Kochi city.

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