The Kerala government’s handling of rising student drug abuse, the Kerala High Court has spotlighted Ernakulam as the state’s most affected district, with 53 NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act) cases involving minors reported between 2015 and 2024. Expressing deep concern, the court warned that without detailed studies and data-driven strategies, efforts to combat the crisis would remain ineffective.
A division bench led by Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice C. Jayachandran directed the Ernakulam City Police Commissioner to urgently present a district-specific action plan—virtually or in person—to address the alarming trend. The court criticized the state’s affidavit for lacking crucial insights into age-wise trends, root causes of drug use, and regional variations.
The data reveals a worrying pattern, with Kottayam (21), Kozhikode (12), Thrissur Rural (9), Alappuzha (7), and Idukki (5) also reporting significant student drug abuse cases. Some districts reported no cases at all, raising concerns about underreporting or lack of monitoring.
Additionally, the court expressed dissatisfaction over delays in appointing special prosecutors and forensic experts, which are stalling NDPS trials. It urged the Kerala Public Service Commission and the state government to act swiftly and fill these critical vacancies, emphasizing that timely justice and prevention are essential in protecting the youth from the growing drug menace.
