The Anti Narcotic Cell (ANC) of Goa Police held its 10th annual anti-narcotic run in Panaji on Saturday, marking a significant event ahead of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, as stated by Superintendent of Police (SP) ANC in a press release.
Minister of Social Welfare Subhash Phal Desai and DGP Jaspal Singh flagged off the 10 km run under the theme “Run Against Drugs” from Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Panaji, in the presence of SP (ANC) Akshat Kaushal IPS and other police officials.
SP (ANC) Akshat Kaushal, IPS, emphasized that the event aimed not only at enforcement but also at raising awareness. He stated, “The message behind the race is to send a message to all citizens, especially youth, to stay away from drugs. At ANC we lay a lot of emphasis on educating the youth about the ill effects of drugs. We are asking the participants to chase the runner’s high and not the high they get from drugs. Despite the weather people have turned up in large numbers and they are running.”
Approximately 1000 participants registered for the event, with around 400 runners, including youth, women, police personnel, and community members from various backgrounds, despite the rainy weather, displaying strong enthusiasm and commitment to the cause.
Chief Guest Subhash Phaldesai, Minister of Social Welfare, River Navigation, Archives, and Archaeology in the Government of Goa, inaugurated the run and delivered an inspiring speech, stressing the importance of maintaining a drug-free lifestyle and engaging in productive activities, especially for the youth.
Guest of Honour DGP Jaspal Singh highlighted the vital role of public outreach in combating narcotics, commending Goa Police for organizing impactful events and emphasizing community involvement in the fight against drug abuse.
The Anti Narcotics Week includes a series of events to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use and promote healthy lifestyles. The run serves as a vibrant platform to rally the community against narcotics and underscores the ongoing efforts of the Anti Narcotics Cell in Goa.