‘Rustom Scheme’ to combat drug abuse among Solan youth

In a major initiative to curb drug abuse among the youth, the Solan police have introduced the ‘Rustom Scheme,’ focusing on both supply reduction and awareness generation.

Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh emphasised that the district police were intensifying efforts to break the drug supply chain while educating youth about the dangers of substance abuse. Through awareness drives, students are being deterred from falling into addiction and encouraged to engage in positive activities like sports.

Educational institutions are a key focus of the campaign. Police teams, in collaboration with university and college administrations, are conducting interactive awareness sessions. Recently, the Solan police engaged with hostel students at Bahara University, educating them on the harmful effects of drug abuse while motivating them to participate in this anti-drug movement.

As drug dealers increasingly target students, the authorities have strengthened vigilance in private universities. The crackdown follows multiple cases where students were found not only consuming heroin but also selling it to sustain their addiction. Several students have been booked for drug peddling in recent months.

In a recent case, three individuals — two pursuing M Pharma and MSc and one BTech graduate — were arrested for heroin trafficking. To tackle this growing concern, university managements have been sensitized to monitor students more closely and report any suspicious activity.

Meanwhile, the police have busted multiple heroin rackets, arresting over 70 major suppliers from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, UP, Assam and Maharashtra. These arrests mark a significant victory in dismantling interstate drug networks.

The Solan police aim to create a drug-free academic environment by ensuring stricter surveillance, continuous awareness programmes and active youth engagement in constructive pursuits.

More than 25 Rustam volunteers were engaged in sports activities, skits at the district-level Republic Day and Independence Day events, skits at public places, awareness sessions in schools, colleges, universities etc. As many as 35 of them also assisted as traffic management volunteers which helped connect with at least 6,000 persons, said the SP.