Team Goemkarponn
MAPUSA: The Cyber Crime Police Station of Goa Police organised a mass cyber crime and drug awareness programme for around 900 students and teachers from various schools across Mapusa at Anantya AC Banquet Hall on Tuesday, as part of Cyber Awareness Month 2026.
The programme was organised under the guidance and supervision of SP Cyber Crime Jivba Dalvi, GPS, with the objective of educating young people about online threats, cyber fraud prevention and the harmful consequences of drug abuse.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Police Inspector Sujay Korgaonkar of the Cyber Crime Police Station. Deputy Director of Education Sarveshwar Naik highlighted the importance of creating awareness among school students and incorporating cyber safety and drug prevention education into the school curriculum.
Cristebella Dias of the Cyber Wellness Center spoke about the psychological impact of cyber fraud and the importance of counselling and support for victims who suffer financial losses through online scams.
Artists from Bla Bla Entertainment staged an informative skit on digital arrest scams, demonstrating how cybercriminals deceive innocent citizens. Police Inspector Vidyanand Pawar of the Cyber Crime Police Station delivered a session on emerging cybercrime trends, common methods used by fraudsters and preventive measures to safeguard against online threats.
An interactive cyber awareness quiz encouraged students to participate and strengthen their understanding of online safety. The programme also featured a skit on drug abuse by Bla Bla Entertainment, highlighting the harmful effects of substance abuse on individuals, families and society.
Addressing the gathering, SP Cyber Crime Jivba Dalvi urged students to remain vigilant against cybercrime and firmly reject drugs and substance abuse. He cautioned them against bad company and experimenting with narcotic substances, warning that addiction could jeopardise their future and shatter the hopes of their families.
Emphasising the sacrifices made by parents to provide their children with education and better opportunities, Dalvi encouraged students to respect their parents’ efforts and work towards fulfilling their dreams through discipline, dedication, hard work and good character.
He stressed that irresponsible online behaviour and involvement with drugs could have lifelong consequences. Students were urged to choose good company, cultivate healthy habits and remain focused on their education and future goals.
On cyber safety, Dalvi advised students to exercise caution while using social media, avoid suspicious links and unknown online contacts, protect their personal information and promptly report cyber fraud or suspicious online activities.
He also appealed to students to become ambassadors of cyber awareness and drug prevention by spreading the message among their friends, families and communities.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Police Inspector Chandrakant Gawas of the Cyber Crime Police Station.
The enthusiastic participation of students and teachers, along with requests for similar programmes in the future, reflected the positive response to the initiative.
Goa Police reiterated its commitment to protecting young people from cyber threats and drug abuse through continuous awareness initiatives, education and community participation, with the message: “Say No to Drugs, Stay Alert Online — Together for a Cyber-Safe and Drug-Free Goa.”
