Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Friday called for united action against the growing drug menace, saying it threatens not just individuals but society as a whole and future generations.

The Chief Minister said that the government would fully support every initiative aimed at eliminating the menace and stressed that the fight was essential to safeguard children and future generations.

Flagging off a rally organised by the Excise department in Thiruvananthapuram to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Mr. Satheesan, while addressing the children attending the programme, said fighting narcotics requires the cooperation of the entire community.

“The drug menace is not an issue affecting only a few people. It concerns all of us and demands collective action. We must confront it with determination to protect our dignity, our lives and our future,” he said.

He said the government was adopting a systematic approach to curb drug trafficking and dismantle the networks behind it.

Referring to the Excise department’s efforts, he said the authorities were working through well-planned strategies to identify those responsible.

“No matter how influential they are, where they come from or which organisation they belong to, strict action must be taken against the drug mafia,” he said.

Excise Minister M. Liju was also present at the event.