Porvorim: Over the past three and a half years, Goa police registered 14 narcotics cases and arrested 18 persons for allegedly being in illegal possession of drugs near schools and colleges in the state. Chief minister Pramod Sawant said on Tuesday that school principals are being encouraged to report any such matters to local police for necessary action.Of the 18 arrested, three persons are from Goa, 12 are non-Goans, and three are foreigners.“Drug abuse awareness drives have been held by Goa police in various schools and institutions with the students, teachers, parents, and more drives will be held in future too. Counsellors from the education department will be trained by Goa police to impart awareness to students,” said Sawant, listing steps taken by govt to prevent drug abuse around institutions.He was responding to Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, who asked about steps being taken by law enforcement agencies, especially police, to put a round-the-clock, robust protective shield around schools and colleges against the sale of drugs.Sawant said that day and night police patrolling is maintained by police in their respective jurisdictions, and intelligence is also being collected in this regard.“Integrated nakabandi has been devised at specific points, and police officers and units are deployed for checking. Goa police have been endeavouring to educate youth, students, and the general public regarding the ill effects of drugs and to keep them away from drug addiction and drug trade,” said Sawant.He also said that various awareness programmes for youth and students have been conducted. “Awareness programmes such as elocution competitions, drawing competitions, student rallies, runs, displaying banners, and distributing pamphlets and stickers have been held. More emphasis is laid on delivering lectures to school and college students,” the chief minister said.