193 reports on drugs received through QR code initiative: Udupi SP Hariram Shankar
Mangalore Today News Network
Udupi, Jun 23, 2026: Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar said that the QR code initiative launched by the district police to gather information on illegal drug trafficking and cigarette sales has received an encouraging response from the public, with 193 reports submitted so far.
Speaking at the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign) programme organised by the Udupi Sub-Division Police at the Ammanni Ramanna Shetty Hall in Udupi on Tuesday, the SP said members of the public have been anonymously scanning the QR codes installed at public places to report incidents related to drug use and sale.
“Several cases have been registered based on information received through the QR codes. We have also facilitated rehabilitation for some individuals and arrested a number of drug peddlers. As a result, the open use of narcotics in Udupi has reduced considerably,” he said.
Hariram Shankar described narcotic drugs as a major weapon used by hostile forces to weaken the country by trapping youth in addiction. “Drug abuse not only destroys the individual but also affects families, society and the nation. Young people must stay away from such harmful habits and develop awareness about their consequences,” he said.
Psychiatrist Dr. P.V. Bhandary, who addressed the gathering, said many children in India begin experimenting with harmful habits by the age of 13. “Earlier, kings ruled us; today, pan, smoking and drinking habits are ruling society. Due to misconceptions and peer pressure, teenagers fall into this trap and often find it difficult to come out of it,” he said.
Dr. G.S. Chandrashekhar, Medical Director of Adarsha Hospital, observed that educated individuals are increasingly becoming victims of drug addiction. He expressed concern that more young women are also being drawn into substance abuse, affecting their lives and future prospects.
“Drug addiction has become a major social menace and poses a serious threat to the country’s development. Preventing youth from becoming victims of this menace is a collective social responsibility,” he said.
Social activist Nithyananda Olakadu and Udupi DySP Belliyappa were present on the dais. Udupi Town Police Inspector Mahesh Prasad welcomed the gathering, while Malpe Circle Inspector Ramachandra Nayak proposed the vote of thanks. Head Constable Surendra of the Town Police Station compered the programme.
Earlier, a public awareness rally was flagged off in front of Board High School in the city.
Addressing students and the public, SP Hariram Shankar urged them to make use of the QR code system. “Anyone can scan the QR code and report the sale or consumption of ganja and other drugs. The identity of informants will be kept confidential. Students should actively use this facility to help save others from falling prey to drug networks,” he said.