Police are looking at reports that claimed dealers sold candies, laced with narcotics, to students
In a bid to counter the growing menace of drug abuse, schools in Kolkata have decided to step up security measures outside their premises. The alleged sale of drug-laced candies outside school campuses has prompted this measure.
"We have requested our schools to put up their personnel near the gates and keep an eye on hawkers selling food items during breaks and after school hours," Central Modern School Principal Nabarun Dey said.
Recent media reports had revealed that dealers sold candies, laced with narcotics, to unsuspecting students outside their school premises.
"School staff will mingle with hawkers to spot unknown faces and also look out for any new items being sold. The health of our students is of paramount importance to us and we want to assure guardians about full-proof measures taken to ensure the safety of their wards," Mr Dey said.
Another member of the Association, Ranjan Mitter, said his institution will issue notices to the parents cautioning them of the threat. "But we hadn't come across any such incident," Mr Mitter added.
While some 200 schools, affiliated to the Association, have undertaken this preventive measure, they are yet to come across any evidences of these sweets being sold.
In July this year, NDTV had widely reported the rise in demand for
drugs in top Hyderabad schools. Authorities intercepted text and WhatsApp messages of students, as young as 13, and drug dealers were arrested from across the city.
An
advisory was also sent out to prestigious international and privately-run schools in Hyderabad. The letter asked teachers to "counsel students about the dangers of substance use, monitor the areas around the school, watch out for students carrying significant amounts of cash or cards and be alert to 'erratic/deviant behaviour'."