The Sindh Education Department has started a crackdown on vapes and drugs near schools, according to reports on Tuesday. According to the details, an inspection of nearby shops and cafes has also been ordered.
The Sindh Education Department has issued a directive to all Deputy Commissioners across the province to closely monitor shops and cafes located near schools.
This was after concerns emerged about the use of vapes among school students.
According to the notification, routine checks of students’ bags at several private schools revealed vape devices. Additionally, the students admitted to purchasing them from nearby shops and cafes.
The department expressed huge concern about students in grades 9 to 12.
The notice further highlighted that cafes and shops near the schools are providing an easy access to not just vapes but also other illegal substances.
Places selling vapes, drugs near schools
The Education Department has also instructed Deputy Commissioners to conduct inspections regularly and to take strict action against the sale of vapes and other banned drugs.
Additionally, if it is found important, authorities have been advised to relocate such places away from school areas.
The notification stated that inspection and monitoring committees that visited different schools observed that some shops and cafes near school areas were illegally selling vapes and other drugs to students who were underage.
Screening committees at schools routinely check students’ bags and personal items. They also confirmed that the students were buying these products from nearby places.
The department also noted that students, especially those in grades 9 to 12, often gather at nearby cafes after school. And in these places, drugs and vaping products are easily accessible.
And because these cafes are located outside school boundaries, school administrations have limited authority to prevent students from visiting these places.
Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to make sure of regular inspections of such shops and cafes.
Additionally, to prevent the sale of prohibited substances to school going children.
And if it is found necessary, it has been advised to relocate these places away from educational institutions.
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