A drug trafficking and substance abuse awareness campaign was held in Wokha on August 28, sensitising students and the public on drug abuse, trafficking, tobacco use and addiction prevention.
DIMAPUR — A drug trafficking and substance abuse awareness campaign was held at the conference hall of Police Baptist Church, Wokha, on August 28 to sensitise students and the public to the dangers of drug abuse, trafficking and tobacco consumption.
The programme was organised by the District Executive Force (DEF) Wokha/Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in collaboration with the Wokha District Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit and District Tobacco Control Unit, a DIPR report stated.
A total of 80 participants, including 65 students and 15 others, attended the programme. Students from Santsuo School, Wokha, and Unit Regimental School, DEF Wokha, participated in the campaign.
Addressing the gathering, Additional SP Wokha and Nodal Officer, ANTF Wokha, Biren Lotha, spoke on drug trafficking, substance abuse, major drug hotspots and inter-State drug movement.
He urged students and the community to remain vigilant and proactive in preventing the spread of drug-related activities.
District Welfare Officer, Wokha, C James Ezung, spoke on different types of drugs, their effects, and the meaning of drug abuse and intoxication.
He encouraged students to confide in trusted elders and seek help when facing difficulties, stressing the approach of “Refuse, Resist and Report” in combating drug abuse.
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Tshopeu Khutsoh, psychologist under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), District Hospital Wokha, sensitised participants on the harmful effects of tobacco use.
She explained the two broad forms of tobacco consumption—smoking and smokeless tobacco—and highlighted the serious health consequences associated with tobacco use, including oral cancer.
Khutsoh also reminded participants of the legal restrictions on the sale of tobacco products to minors and near educational institutions. Students were informed about the availability of free treatment for tobacco dependence at Dr. Motsuo Memorial Hospital, Wokha, and encouraged those struggling with addiction to seek professional help.
An interactive session was held during which students raised questions and engaged with the resource persons.
Biren Lotha also highlighted the importance of cleanliness, personal hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits, urging students to cultivate discipline and good practices.
As part of the initiative, on-the-spot medical testing for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis was also conducted.