Enforcement Agencies Alarmed by Rising Drug Seizures from Students

Ernakulam Reports Maximum Incidents of Students Getting Caught with Banned Substances

- TOBY ANTONY @Kochi

WITH Ernakulam district continuing to top the charts in the number of narcotic cases reported annually, a growing concern is the rising abuse of drugs and addictive substances among school students. In the 2024-25 academic year, Ernakulam reported the highest number of incidents of students getting caught with drugs and other banned substances on school premises.

According to data from the Education Department, eight such cases were reported in Ernakulam in 2024-25, involving substances such as drugs, liquor, cigarettes and chewing tobacco. In comparison, the district reported only four such cases in 2023-24. Across the state, a total of 16 drug-related cases involving students were recorded last academic year. After Ernakulam, Kottayam reported four cases, Alappuzha two, and Idukki and Thrissur one each.