The Kerala Police have been on a marijuana-cleaning spree across the state recently.In an attempt to make Kerala a safe abode for youngsters to stay unadulterated, they have raided several joints and seized marijuana and other recreational drugs.However, the men in uniform seem to have taken their duty too seriously as they even confiscated T-shirts, key chains, bracelets and bumper stickers that sported the marijuana leaf and Bob Marley pictures. The purveyors of such goods too were booked under Section 3 (1) Young Persons (Harmful Publication) Act 1956, which prevents the dissemination of certain publication harmful to young persons, aged below 20 years.According to the police, it is not just new-gen movies like Honey Bee or Idukki Gold that corrupt the young minds, but even the mere sight of these narcotic substances and associated idols in the printed form can propagate a morbid fascination with cannabis and other recreational drugs.They feel that youngsters in the age brackets of 15 and 18 years get influenced easily and hence are the target of drug dealers. “When weed smokers walk around in T-shirts and accessories branding anti-social messages and symbols, the young children look up to them as cool icons; their minds are eventually fascinated to try out marijuana. We have also been receiving complaints from parents of young children. Hence we are confiscating clothes and accessories with marijuana messages or idols associated with the substance printed on it, all for the safety of children,” says A Anantlal, Sub-Inspector, Ernakulam.The police action has received mixed reactions with many supporting the move while others decried it. But what has irked them all is portraying Bob Marley in bad light. The legendary Jamaican reggae singer, who was part of the Rastafari movement, had used marijuana to practice his spirituality, and thus the association. In addition to the singer’s image (at times seen smoking a joint), his dreadlock hair, the Rastafari flag colours (a mix of red, green and yellow), cannabis leaf etc are the commonly added elements that have been adorning many T-shirts and automobiles these days.“Please keep Bob Marley away from the issue,” say youngsters in one voice. Kevin* appreciates the recent drive by the police and feels flaunting such T-shirts and accessories are nothing but a pseudo air. “I really don’t find the display of marijuana messages and symbols attractive. If you like such tees, wear it in a country where marijuana is legalised. You don’t have to show the world that you are smoking up and that’s why you are so cool. It’s a stupid thing to do,” he says.Jomon* believes that youngsters speak their attitude through such prints on T-shirts and bumper stickers. “That is their age, wherein they think it is cool to do marijuana and other recreational drugs,” he says.A few opine that seizing marijuana and Bob Marley T-shirts and accessories are not doing justice to the issue. “All these stunts won’t address the issue,” says Jamshir*. He says that the cops are just using this as a ploy to hide their inefficiency in tackling the drug trade. “The common man thinks weed is as dangerous as chemicals. So they make them think they are working hard in bringing about a solution to the issue,” he adds. Stating that T-shirts and such tangible elements carrying harmful messages and icons have nothing to do with one’s mental urge to smoke weed, Levin* says, “I don’t smoke marijuana, but I love these T-shirts with the cannabis leaf and the colours. I have even customised my bike with the leaves stamped all over it. Seizing these goods will not serve the purpose.”“Bob Marley was not just some junkie,” says an angry Jamshir. Fans of Bob Marley were up in arms when officials hinted Bob Marley images as one of the prime reasons why youngsters take to drugs. “It’s an insult to Bob Marley,” rues Kevin. Seconding the view, Jomon adds, “He is known for his music and that is the best thing about him. He has advocated and instigated inspirational values among us. Follow him for music. Bob Marley cannot be blamed if a youngster is tempted to smoke weed listening to his music or his lifestyle.”“Posters and pictures directly or indirectly depicting marijuana and other narcotic substances can stimulate young adolescent minds. When they happen to hear or or read something unusual or colourful, they have the inclination to enquire about it. This can quickly trigger their thought processes.Even a five-year-old child can be influenced by a small picture.They have the ability to retain the image until they reach a maturity level. Why do advertisements showing alcohol and cigarettes have restrictions and come with strict warning? This is because youngsters below 20 years are rebellious and it is good to be so. But such an attitude has to be under check,” says psychiatrist S D Singh.(*some names have been changed on request)