Kerala brings DJ parties under scanner in its anti-drug drive

Taking a serious note of increasing instances of drug abuse, the Kerala government has decided to intensify its inspection in DJ parties and other high-end events in luxurious hotels. Replying to a submission in the assembly today, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said searches and raids would be conducted in parties in which even higher-ups take part.

He said police would conduct raids in college hostels without prior permission from authorities if they receive reliable information on drug menace.

The minister said the government had received information that ganja, cultivated in states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Orissa and the North-East, are being transported to Kerala through high ranges in Idukki.

"Taking a serious view of the incidents, a special monitoring system has been put in place in the state border check posts to contain the flow of the contraband to the state. Airports, railway stations and bus stands will also be brought under scanner as part of the drive," he said.

The minister also said the state government had already initiated "Clean Campus Safe Campus" drive to keep the young generation, especially school and college students, away from drugs.

As part of the drive, a special programme to be attended by Malayalam super star Mammootty, who is the brand ambassador of the anti-drug abuse drive, would be held in Kozhikode next month.