India, Dec. 27 -- Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said drug abuse destroys lives and poses a serious threat to society, particularly to Goa's youth, whom he described as the state's greatest strength. Reiterating the government's zero-tolerance policy against drugs, Sawant said laws have been strengthened, surveillance intensified, and action against drug networks stepped up. He added that coordination with central agencies has been improved to curb the menace effectively. The chief minister also said the government is expanding awareness programmes in schools and colleges to educate young people about the dangers of substance abuse and prevent addiction at an early stage.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Herald...