Udupi,: In a major push to curb drug abuse and trafficking, Udupi Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T.K. has urged residents to use a newly introduced QR code to report the transportation, sale and consumption of narcotic substances in the district.

Chairing the district-level meeting of the National Narcotics Coordination Centre (NCORD) at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Tuesday, she said the QR code, developed by the police department, will enable the public to easily share information about drug-related activities. She assured that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential and appealed for public cooperation in making Udupi a drug-free district.

The Deputy Commissioner directed urban and rural local bodies, educational institutions, industries and the labour department to widely publicise the QR code by displaying it at bus stands, industrial areas, labour association offices, cinema halls and other prominent public places.

Medical stores were instructed not to sell habit-forming medicines without a valid doctor’s prescription and to display notices informing customers about the regulation. The district drug control officer was also directed to conduct regular inspections of pharmacies to ensure compliance.

The labour department and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board were asked to inspect chemical factories and industrial units to ensure they are not involved in the manufacture of illegal narcotic substances.

Schools and colleges have been instructed to form active anti-drug committees and conduct awareness programmes on the 25th of every month. Hostel authorities were told to closely monitor students and arrange medical examinations for those suspected of drug abuse.

To strengthen enforcement, officials were also directed to monitor courier and parcel services to prevent drug trafficking, keep a watch on migrant workers arriving from other states, and ensure regular inspections of fishing boats by the Coastal Security Police.

Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, Assistant Commissioner Rashmi, Additional SP Sudhakar Nayak, Udupi City Municipal Commissioner Mahanthesh Hangargi and other officials attended the meeting.