Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Leads State Campaign Against Drugs

What Happened

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay led a state-level mass pledge event in Chennai aimed at creating a 'Drug-Free Tamil Nadu'. The initiative, organized by the Home, Prohibition and Excise Department, saw participation from students across numerous educational institutions.

Mr. Vijay also inaugurated the 'Drug and Tobacco-Free Campus' program, which will provide new students with information on drug abuse risks, legal penalties under the NDPS Act, and available support services. Institutions are mandated to conduct regular anti-drug awareness activities, including pledges, street plays, and competitions, with the support of strengthened Anti-Drug Clubs and nominated Peer Ambassadors. Police Nodal Officers will collaborate with institutions to address drug trafficking complaints, and students are encouraged to report drug abuse via a dedicated mobile application.

Additionally, the Chief Minister observed the destruction of a significant quantity of seized narcotic substances and banned tobacco products across multiple locations via videoconferencing. Awards were presented to police officers and personnel for their contributions to combating drug production and trafficking, as well as to outstanding anti-drug clubs and volunteer groups.

Key Facts

• Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay administered a State-level mass pledge for a ‘Drug-Free Tamil Nadu’ in Chennai on a Tuesday.
• The event was organized by the Home, Prohibition and Excise Department.
• Approximately 2,000 students from 73 educational institutions participated in the Chennai event.
• The Chief Minister launched the ‘Drug and Tobacco-Free Campus’ initiative.
• The initiative includes orientation for new students on drug abuse risks, NDPS Act penalties, institutional actions, and counselling.
• Institutions will organize annual pledges, street plays, competitions, rallies, and de-addiction centre visits.
• Anti-Drug Clubs will be strengthened with training and Peer Ambassadors for early behavioral change detection and support.
• Police Nodal Officers will coordinate with institutions to address trafficking complaints.
• Students will be encouraged to report drug abuse via the Drug-Free TN Mobile App.
• The Chief Minister witnessed the destruction of 100,000 kg of seized narcotic substances and banned tobacco products.
• The destruction occurred at Chengalpattu, Thanjavur, Coimbatore, and Tirunelveli.
• Mr. Vijay presented the ‘Chief Minister’s Police Medal - 2026’ to 15 police officers.
• Awards were also presented to three best anti-drug clubs and three best volunteer groups.
• More than 21,000 students in Trichy district participated in a mass pledge programme on the same Tuesday.
• The programme in Trichy was conducted at 34 locations and involved officials, students, and the public.
• Authorities destroyed 817.7kg of cannabis, 889 narcotic tablets, and 34,760kg of banned tobacco products in Trichy.
• The destruction in Trichy was supervised by central zone IG V Balakrishnan.