Thrissur : Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday warned about the growing influence of the drug mafia in society and commended the police and excise personnel for their effective efforts in tackling the menace.

He expressed concern over the rising consumption of synthetic drugs, stating that they are dehumanising individuals. The top priority should be freeing people from addiction and the grip of illegal substances.

The Chief Minister made these remarks while addressing the passing-out parade of 118 newly trained sub-inspectors at the Kerala Police Academy.

Indicating the recent drug cases reported in various places of the state, he said the drug mafia is trying to tighten its grip on society in a big way nowadays and attempting to specifically target minors and children.

"They are already making remarkable efforts in this regard. Their action should be further strengthened," he said.

The Chief Minister's remarks came amidst the opposition Congress attacking the LDF government over its alleged failure to curb the drug menace in the state in the wake of police seizing two kilograms of ganja from the men's hostel of a Government Polytechnic College in Kalamassery in Kochi on Thursday.