Tamil Nadu: Stringent action being taken against offenders selling tobacco near schools, says Erode collector

A review meeting with school and college coordinators to prevent the spread of narcotic drugs and banned tobacco products was held at the Collectorate on Monday (February 16, 2026).

Collector S. Kandasamy, who chaired the meeting, said that stringent action had been taken against offenders operating near educational institutions. As many as 49 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered and 30 cases have been booked under the Goondas Act. Eighteen shops found selling narcotic substances have been sealed.

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He directed all schools and colleges to ensure that students and staff download the “Drug Free Tamil Nadu” mobile application to strengthen monitoring and awareness efforts. Coordinators were also instructed to keep vigil on shops functioning in the vicinity of educational institutions and to report any violations promptly.

Assistant Director (Prohibition) Thiagarajan, Food Safety Designated Officer Varalakshmi, District Deputy Superintendent of Police (Prohibition and Enforcement Wing) Sukumar, along with school and college coordinators and departmental officials, participated in the meeting.