Yavatmal Police Crack Down on Tobacco, Narcotics Near Schools

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HT Correspondent 

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Yavatmal:- In a major initiative to protect students from substance abuse, the Yavatmal Police Department conducted a high-impact special campaign aimed at prohibiting the sale, consumption, and use of narcotics and tobacco products within educational campus zones.

The campaign was executed from July 1, 2026, to August 13, 2026, under the direct guidance of Superintendent of Police (SP) Mr. Kumar Chinta and the leadership of Additional SP Mr. Ashok Thorat. Dedicated police teams conducted extensive inspections around school and college premises across the district to enforce strict legal measures against violators.

380 Legal Actions Registered under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, targeting illegal tobacco activities in educational zones. 257 Pan Kiosks Removed Unauthorized pan shops and kiosks operating near school and college campuses were systematically closed down.A total of 984 schools and colleges across Yavatmal district have been officially declared drug-free and tobacco-free.

During the drive, law enforcement inspected shopkeepers operating near campuses and seized illicit tobacco products, which were subsequently disposed of according to legal protocols. Beyond strict enforcement, the police department emphasized preventive measures, hosting counseling sessions and public awareness drives to encourage students to stay away from addiction.

The Yavatmal police administration reiterated that strict, continuous legal action will remain in force against anyone attempting to sell or consume banned substances near educational institutions.

> "Guided by the vision of 'Drug-Free Youth, Safe Society,' I urge parents, teachers, students, shopkeepers, and citizens to actively cooperate and take the lead in keeping our educational environments entirely drug and tobacco-free."

> Mr. Kumar Chinta, Superintendent of Police, Yavatmal