Kids beware! That sweet a stranger offered could be spiked with drugs

Concern over drug gangs using children as unwitting cover for their illegal activities

- Abdul Nazer MA @Kochi

DESPITE widespread operations to curb the trafficking and use of narcotics by law-enforcement agencies, there is growing concern over drug gangs targeting children with chocolates, sweets, and beverages laced with narcotics. There have been reports of gang members stalking schoolchildren—including girls with romantic advances—at strategic locations including bus stands and other waiting areas, to carry out their operations.

Moreover, these gangs target students who walk, cycle, or use public transport, employing them as unwitting cover for their illegal activities. The gravity of the issue came to light after a four-year-old boy in Manarcad, Kottayam, reportedly consumed chocolate spiked with intoxicants at his school.