Thu Jul 24 17:43:45 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Kerala is facing a severe drug problem, with narcotics easily accessible to addicts. The Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, criticizes the government’s insufficient efforts to combat the issue. He calls for stricter punishments for drug peddlers and a focus on identifying the sources of drugs, not just awareness campaigns. The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council’s Madya Virudha Samithi held its annual state conference and awarded the Archdiocese of Varapuzha and the Archdiocese of Mananthavady for their anti-drug campaigns.

**News Article:**

**Kerala Grapples with Alarming Surge in Drug Abuse, Opposition Leader Demands Action**

**KOCHI, Kerala – July 24, 2025** – The southern state of Kerala is facing a critical surge in narcotic drug abuse, with drugs readily available to addicts, according to V.D. Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition. Speaking at the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council’s Madya Virudha Samithi conference in Palarivattom, Satheesan painted a grim picture of the situation, stating that drug peddlers operate with alarming freedom.

“The drug mafia has a free run in the State,” Satheesan warned, comparing the impact of drugs to “bunker buster bombs” capable of destroying families. He cited instances of children even committing violence against their parents due to drug influence.

Satheesan sharply criticized the state government’s response, arguing that it has been inadequate despite opposition support. He urged authorities to shift their focus from superficial “awareness programs” to identifying and dismantling the drug supply chains. “The government agencies concerned must be able to identify the sources of drugs,” he emphasized. He also called for implementing significantly harsher punishments for those involved in drug trafficking.

During the conference, awards were presented to the Archdiocese of Varapuzha and the Archdiocese of Mananthavady for their outstanding contributions to anti-drug campaigns. The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council’s Madya Virudha Samithi annual conference serves as a key platform for discussing and addressing the growing threat of substance abuse in the state.

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