Anti-narcotics units are launching random checks to track down drug traffickers

Special forces under the District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force (DANSAF) have launched random checks in newly identified drug hotspots within Kozhikode city limits as part of increased vigilance against drug peddlers targeting school and college students.

Police officers heading the special unit said that 77 hotspots have now been identified within Kozhikode city limits with the support of various local police stations to strengthen surveillance. Apart from carrying out random checks, door-to-door drug dealers who have been previously caught or convicted in various human trafficking cases will be continuously monitored, they added.

“Decisions have been taken to conduct simultaneous blitz inspections across identified drug hotspots to dismantle the network of drug peddlers in the city. Plainclothes personnel have already been deployed to ensure the success of the drive during the school season,” said a sub-inspector who is part of the special team. He added that all suspected shops involved in the sale of banned tobacco products and narcotics will be subjected to a flash check.

According to police sources, most of the newly identified hotspots are located near popular shopping malls and beach tourism destinations. In response to this trend, DANSAF units have increased the deployment of plainclothes personnel to gather reliable real-time intelligence on suspects.

“Unlike in the past, efforts will be focused on identifying school and college students who act as carriers or close aides to drug traffickers. The proper rehabilitation of these children is key to ensuring the safety of other students in a vulnerable environment,” said the principal of a senior high school who attended a police training camp to detect drug addiction among students. He added that the guidelines regarding the reinstatement of school protection groups will also be taken seriously to ensure appropriate follow-up.

As per state-level guidelines, schools have already been asked to organize creative programs and outdoor campaigns to spread strong messages against drug abuse. According to members of the anti-drug squad, the cooperation of parents and teachers would also be ensured to strengthen the initiative.

Published – 01 Jun 2026 20:16 IST