Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 23 (NationPress) Concerned by the alarming rise in drug abuse among financially stable youth, particularly within the private sector, the Kerala Police has launched a robust initiative that fuses rigorous enforcement with prevention strategies at workplaces.

The program, known as Prevention of Drug Abuse (PODA), was revealed on Tuesday by State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar as a component of a broader campaign aimed at combating narcotics trafficking and substance misuse throughout the state.

As part of this intensified anti-drug effort, authorities have recorded 30,991 cases this year under the D-Hunt Special Drive.

Among these, 349 cases involved the seizure of commercial quantities of narcotics, 957 cases pertained to intermediate amounts, and 7,718 cases were related to smaller quantities.

Senior police officials emphasized that these statistics not only reflect the severity of the drug issue but also highlight the necessity for enduring, multi-faceted interventions that go beyond traditional law enforcement.

A police survey conducted as part of the drive has revealed a distinct demographic pattern: drug abuse is notably prevalent among financially independent individuals aged 25 to 35.

The findings suggest that many of these individuals operate within small, tight-knit social groups where drug use and transactions largely remain concealed from public scrutiny, complicating detection efforts.

The majority of those identified are found to be working in the private sector.

It was noted that while the average age for entering government service through the Public Service Commission is around 33, nearly 98 percent of individuals under 30 are employed in the private sector.

Factors such as early employment, increased disposable income, and minimal social oversight have collectively heightened vulnerability to substance abuse, as indicated by the survey.

To tackle this emerging challenge, PODA aims to engage private-sector employers as proactive partners in drug prevention.

Under this initiative, companies will be encouraged to mandate that employees, at the time of hiring, sign a compulsory declaration pledging to refrain from drug use.

Additionally, employees will be required to consent to routine drug testing during their employment.

Should substance use be detected, employers may initiate disciplinary measures, including termination, in line with their internal policies.

The proposal has garnered favorable responses from prominent industry organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, G-Tech, FICCI, CII, Young Indians (YI), BNI, and the Kerala Management Association.

In the first phase, approximately 21 companies employing close to 1,100 young professionals will be included in the program.