Bengaluru: In a crackdown on narcotics and a simultaneous push to curb drug abuse among youngsters, state govt Tuesday launched two key anti-drug campaigns, Operation RISE (Refuse, Inform, Support, Empower)’ and Beda Bro (Let’s Refuse, Bro) initiative. It also announced plans to destroy 4,276.4 kg of seized drugs valued at Rs 97.9 crore soon.Over 8.3 lakh students across the state took part in the programme, both online and offline, to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, making it one of the largest awareness drives in the state.Operation RISE aims to tackle drug abuse through a structured, multi-level approach, combining awareness, reporting mechanisms and rehabilitation support.Chief minister DK Shivakumar called for collective responsibility in tackling drug abuse and urged families, institutions and society to act without hesitation. Emphasising early intervention, he said, “The longer you hide your children’s addiction, the more you destroy their future.”Home minister Priyank Kharge stressed the importance of resisting peer pressure and making conscious choices. He urged students to “say no, even if friends insist,” and encouraged them to report suspicious activities to authorities, teachers or parents. He also highlighted that addiction should be treated with empathy, not stigma, noting that those affected need support to recover.— Ananya Bhat
