City police add saliva-based drug detection device to tackle substance abuse

Drug abuse not only destroys the entire social ecosystem but also poses a serious security threat, State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar said here on Saturday (February 7) as he launched the induction of a saliva-based drug detection device into enforcement by the Kochi City police.

Mr. Chandrasekhar said scientific drug detection kits were initially deployed for road safety enforcement and had made a significant impact on traffic safety. “Their use is now being expanded to combat the drug menace, and the system will be implemented across cities in the State,” he said. He urged the police force to use the analyser kits in a professional, ethical and efficient manner.

The meet, held at the Cusat auditorium, Kalamassery, was chaired by District Police Chief (Kochi City) Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar. He said each kit costs more than ₹12 lakh. “Despite the expense, tackling drug abuse and trafficking is a shared social responsibility that requires collective effort,” he said.

The kits were provided under the CSR initiative of Walkaroo Foundation, in collaboration with Rotary Police Engagement (ROPE) and the Rotary Club of Cannanore Seaside. Former State Police Chief and Kochi Metro Rail Limited managing director Loknath Behera, Deputy Commissioner Aswathy Jiji, Walkaroo Foundation chairman V. Naushad, Rotary International district governor G.N. Ramesh, and Cusat Registrar Arun A.U were present, according to a communication.