Govt to conduct random drug tests on students, says Sharjeel

Sindh’s senior minister for transport & mass transit, excise & taxation (E&T), narcotics control and information on Monday said that from May 10 the E&T department would take action against unregistered vehicles. He also announced that the government is planning to conduct random drug tests on students at educational institutions.

Holding a media briefing at the Social & Electronic Media Directorate of the information department, Sharjeel Memon said societies around the world are facing the common challenge of drugs.

“Our young generation is studying at universities, colleges and schools. The young generation is a valuable asset of every nation. We have to protect our young generation, and public and private educational institutions from the threat of drugs.”

Memon said that the scourge of drugs persists in the province, so the government’s crackdown would continue until the end. He said that all the government departments, especially Home Minister Ziaul Hassan, are with them in the grand action against drugs.

Moreover, he added, President Asif Zardari during his recent visit to Karachi had given special instructions to the provincial government to end the scourge of drugs.

Memon said that on the instructions of Zardari, the E&T department and the Sindh police, under the special supervision of the chief minister, have taken vigorous actions against drug peddling in the past month and a half.

Now there will be even more stringent action, he added, with operations to be carried out with the assistance of the police, the Rangers, the E&T department and the Anti-Narcotics Force.

He said the government is planning to establish new rehabilitation centres. He urged parents to pay special attention to their children, and requested the media to conduct a drug awareness campaign, especially about ice (crystal meth).

He also said that in the past month and a half 1,550 suspects have been arrested in ongoing operations against drug dealers, with 236kg ice, 900g heroin and 51.906mt hashish seized from them. He stressed that those who lead the youth towards drug addiction are national criminals.

Memon said that any student who tests positive during the government’s random drug tests, their case would be handled with complete confidentiality. Strict action will be taken against those involved in supplying drugs, he added.

He said arrests of those involved in drug supply are ongoing, with strict checking at the province’s entry points. Approval is pending from the cabinet for this initiative, he added. He also said the E&T department continues to take legal action against the sale of liquor.

Unregistered vehicles

Memon said that action would be taken against unregistered vehicles as well as vehicles pending registration. He said the E&T department would start taking action against such vehicles on May 10.

“We don’t want to fine people for their vehicles, but they should ensure their vehicles are registered. No VIP protocol will be given to anyone; unregistered vehicles will be impounded regardless of influence.”

He said the E&T department has issued registration plates for 44,000 vehicles that are yet to be collected. Owners should collect their registration plates promptly, he added. He also said failure to pay vehicle taxes on time would result in fines. Anyone found driving an unregistered vehicle will have their vehicle impounded, he added.

The minister also mentioned that the ongoing operation in the Kutcha areas is making progress, with the Sindh police achieving significant success a day earlier. Replying to a question, he said that there is a shortage of employees in the narcotics control department. He said that an advertisement was issued for hiring new staff, and the process of providing jobs was supposed to follow.

However, he noted, there is currently a stay order, which has halted the hiring process. This situation has led to frustration among job applicants and has resulted in a shortage of employees in the department, he said.