Kochi City police take humane turn in fight against drug abuse

Kochi: In a quiet shift from punishment to rehabilitation, the Kochi City police are reaching out to drug users not with handcuffs, but with help. Under the ‘Udayam Project’, officers are guiding addicts towards treatment and counselling instead of prosecuting them, marking a new chapter in the city’s fight against substance abuse.

According to City Police Commissioner Putta Vimaladitya, the project is built on two pillars of substance abuse prevention — supply reduction and demand reduction. “We are constantly enforcing the law to stop the supply chain by catching peddlers, seizing drugs, and cracking down on networks. But that alone isn’t enough. To reduce demand, early identification and intervention are vital,” he said.

At the heart of the Udayam project is Section 64(A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which provides immunity from prosecution for addicts who voluntarily seek treatment. “Once a person arrested for possessing small quantities of drugs admits to being an addict and expresses willingness to undergo de-addiction, the court can exempt them from prosecution and send them for treatment at a centre arranged by the police,” Vimaladitya said.

If the person completes rehabilitation and produces a de-addiction certificate, the charges are dropped. But if the treatment is not completed, the immunity is withdrawn. “It is the first time Kochi City Police are implementing this. Because addiction is a psychological issue. It is not something that can be solved through punishment,” Vimaladitya said.

He added that criminalising addicts often isolates them further. “By arresting them, we only make them outcasts. Instead, if we help them get treatment and a chance to be decriminalised, the results can be lasting. When demand falls, supply automatically weakens. Otherwise, the supply will continue no matter how strong enforcement is,” he said.

At present, five individuals within the limits of Kalamassery and Mattancherry police stations are undergoing de-addiction through the project. The commissioner said all police stations have been instructed to adopt this model.

Those seeking help can directly contact project coordinators or call the Udayam helpline at 9497932777. The police have assured that all information will remain strictly confidential.

Alongside Udayam, the police’s ‘D-DAD’ initiative, which focuses on helping children overcome digital and mobile addiction, has also been receiving strong public support. In August alone, 38 children underwent counselling across 96 sessions.

To mark World Mental Health Day on October 10, Kochi City police are observing ‘Mindfulness Week’ from October 5 to 11, featuring awareness campaigns and mental health sessions under the Udayam Project.