Asianet Investigation: School students work as mules for Kerala drug smugglers

Abuse of psychotropic substances and narcotic drugs has increased manifold in Kerala, especially among school students in Thrissur district. In most cases, lobbies are using students to supply drugs among teens. In last three months, over 100 students were arrested from Thrissur district alone.

An investigation by Asianet News revealed that ganja brought from Tamil Nadu is mainly supplied among school students of Thrissur town area. In most cases, the students themselves act as carriers.

Though over 100 students were arrested within last six months, only 11 students were booked for drug peddling. In most cases police release students considering their future. 

Also read:Substance abuse on the rise among school students in Kerala

It was found that students between the age of 13 to 20 are more prone to substance abuse. Usually, they get the taste from senior students at the school. In no time they will become part of supply chain, which ensures free ganja for personal use along with extra income. They also entice other students and widen their network. 

"Usually, they bring ganja from Selam and Coimbatore. The carriers will bring it in large packets and are sold in packs of two to five grammes. A two-gram pack costs ₹500," a student who has acted as ganja peddler revealed. 

Read more: Now psychotropic substances sold to girls as beauty pills in Kerala

Most parents don't know that their kids are addicted to drugs, while police officials say that parents alone can tackle drug usage among kids.

"First thing that comes to notice is that students come home late once they start using drugs. They will also fight with every other person for simple things. Teenagers must be under the constant watch of parents. It is not easy to save kids once the teens fall in the trap of drug mafia," Suhrut Kumar, Asst Sub-inspector, Shadow Police, said.

You can easily identify regular users, as their nails will develop a green colour, he said. 

"Peer pressure, the financial situation at home, family conditions, etc. are factors contributing to the situation," K A Nelson, Deputy Excise Commissioner, said. 

• Ganja usage
• Substance abuse
• School students
• drug addiction