In a major step to curb the growing menace of drug addiction among the youth, the Karnataka Police Department has launched ‘Sanmitra’ (good friend), an initiative to provide ongoing support, rehabilitation and monitoring to individuals struggling with substance abuse.
The program seeks to address this problem not only through advocacy, but also through empathy, guidance, and structured rehabilitation.
Director General and Inspector General of Police, MA Saleem, in a recently issued circular, said the initiative is designed to “transform lives” by focusing on root cause identification, continuous mentoring and confidential treatment of affected individuals and their families.
Stressing the need for a more comprehensive strategy to deal with drug-related crimes, Mr Saleem said policing should not end with arresting the accused, seizing contraband, filing charges and moving on to the next case.
He emphasized that a comprehensive and continuous monitoring system is necessary to ensure that accused persons and addicts do not repeat drug use or return to criminal activities. “According to him, specialized personnel will be deployed at each station to carry out this monitoring, maintain follow-up reports and initiate other actions if necessary.
As part of this initiative, every police station across the state will set up a dedicated Sanmitra Help Desk. Officers were instructed to identify individuals struggling with substance abuse and designate a trained police officer as a mentor. Their details will be confidentially registered and shared only with senior officers to ensure complete privacy.
Police personnel designated under Sanmitra must maintain constant contact with affected individuals, interact with their families and coordinate with mental health professionals to monitor monthly progress.
Police focused on rehabilitation
Each individual’s social circle will be discreetly surveyed and any friends showing signs of substance abuse will be immediately reported to the Station House Officer for medical intervention.
Special emphasis was placed on student support. Police have been advised to avoid uniformed visits or formal interactions on college grounds. Instead, officials will treat students as friends and help them reintegrate into mainstream education without stigma.
Structure of confidential messages
The Station Managers have to collect progress reports from Sanmitra personnel every two weeks and submit confidential monthly reports to the concerned SZ or DCP in sealed covers as per the circular.
At the next level, SPs and DCPs will compile quarterly evaluations to be submitted to IGPs, DIGPs or Commissioners of Police. These senior officers will review the performance of the district, issue further instructions and report to the Additional Director General of Police, Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF).
An annual operational report detailing the overall implementation and impact of the program will be submitted each December.
Holistic recovery and reintegration
Police officers were directed to act as guides and trusted allies – actively helping individuals through treatment, counseling and social rehabilitation. The program supports regular interaction with families, coordinated efforts with medical and social workers, monthly case reviews to identify failures, intervention to prevent relapse, promote dignity, self-confidence and reintegration into the community.
The initiative also seeks to work with teachers, local leaders, advocacy groups and community organizations to reduce the stigma associated with addiction.
Plans are underway to strengthen rehabilitation support through professionally run Integrated Addiction Rehabilitation Centers (IRCAs) that will provide comprehensive care and long-term recovery.
Officials say Sanmitra aims to shift the police department’s approach from mere enforcement to compassionate engagement — building a supportive ecosystem for individuals battling addiction and striving for a drug-free Karnataka, Mr. Saleem said.
Published – 18 Nov 2025 22:57 IST
