Sindh govt to conduct random drug tests in schools

KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Narcotics Control Sharjeel Inam Memon on Thursday said random drug tests of some students would be conducted in different Karachi schools to apprehend drug peddlers.

Speaking during Geo News show 'Geo Pakistan', Memon said: “Random tests of some pupils will be conducted and their names will be kept confidential. If a student tests positive for drugs, then their parents would be contacted and the student will be asked who provided them the drug.”

The minister said he knew that initially the drug tests at educational institutes would be criticised. However, he clarified that no legal action would be taken if a drug test of a student returns positive.

Meanwhile, The News reported, that the provincial government has established a Rapid Response Unit (RRU) in office of the Excise Department’s director general.

The Excise Department officials apprised the publication that the RRU will be functional 24/7, as per the orders of the minister. The director general will head the unit to ensure operations are carried out to curb drug peddling.

The senior minister stated: “The government is determined to strengthen its efforts against narcotics and improve its tax collection procedures. The establishment of the Rapid Response Unit is an important step towards achieving these objectives.”

Memon said the RRU would ensure swift and effective action against drugs. Furthermore, the provincial government has devised a plan to go to schools and test children for drugs. They would catch drug peddlers by interrogating the students who tested positive, he said.

“Every school, big or small, will conduct random tests of children. The bill in this regard is being brought to the Sindh cabinet,” he said.

The Sindh minister said the government’s focus was going after crystal and ice and it would remove the menace of drugs from the province.