PANJIM: The Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) has written to the Superintendent of Police (SP), Anti Narcotics Cell (ANC) to conduct enquiry into news of drug abuse amongst school children in Sodiem-Siolim.
The Commission after coming across the news report by OHeraldo about proceedings at Gram Sabha at Sodiem-Siolim regarding exploitation of children in drug trade, wherein abuse of substance was found in schools in the area, has decided to conduct spot enquiries in the cases of child rights violation.
The gram sabha meeting held at Sodiem Siolim on Sunday turned stormy with the members hitting out at the Mapusa police, ANC and panchayat for not taking drug peddling seriously.
Alleging that school children were exploited by drug peddlers, the members mentioned certain black spots where there is rampant drug trade and substance abuse including Bancarvaddo, Maina, Pilimbi and Xell.
“The most effective way of tackling the drug problem involves a comprehensive, balanced and coordinated approach that addresses both supply control and demand. While drug demand reduction activities remain our focus, it is equally important for law enforcement authorities to disrupt the distribution supply chains for the drugs, with special focus on education institutions,” said Chairperson of GSCPCR Peter Borges.
The Commission has requested the SP ANC to take cognisance of the news report and investigate the whole issue, engage with the local bodies and submit action taken report by May 17, 2023.
