Pramesh S Jain
Reiterating a zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and abuse,Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said the state government has intensified enforcement measures,with a sharp focus on protecting youth and dismantling organised drug networks in Bengaluru.
Addressing the issue,the minister highlighted that Bengaluru,as a global city,faces emerging challenges of drug abuse,particularly among students and young professionals.
He stressed that the fight against narcotics is not just a law enforcement issue but also a serious social and public health concern.
Strong Enforcement Push:
In 2026 so far,police have registered 1,959 cases under the NDPS Act,including 256 against peddlers and 1,703 against consumers.
A total of 2,591 Indian nationals and 21 foreign nationals have been arrested.Drugs worth over Rs.130 crore have been seized,reflecting the scale of enforcement.
Between 2024 and 2026,there has been a steady rise in cases and arrests,underlining the state’s aggressive crackdown.
Officials also noted that in five major NDPS cases since June 2025,inter-state raids led to the arrest of 10 accused from Kerala,Goa,Maharashtra,New Delhi and Bihar.
CCB’s Intensified Crackdown:
The Central Crime Branch,under the leadership of Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime)Ajay Hilori, has played a key role in the anti-drug drive.
In 2025 alone,CCB registered 71 major cases,arrested 112 accused (including 27 foreign nationals),and seized 170.64 kg of Narcotics valued at Rs.115.49 Crore.
In 2026 (year-to-date),CCB has registered 197 cases, arrested 267 accused (including six foreign nationals), and seized around 387 kg of drugs worth Rs.45 Crore.
Coordinated Multi-Agency Effort:
Authorities have adopted a coordinated approach involving agencies such as the Narcotics Control Bureau,Foreigners Regional Registration Office,Excise Department,Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Customs,and other stakeholders including NGOs and rehabilitation centres.
Focus Beyond Enforcement:
The government has emphasised a balanced strategy that includes:
Prevention through awareness campaigns in schools and colleges.
Rehabilitation and counselling for users.
Strict action against peddlers,including detention under PIT NDPS for repeat offenders.
Property attachment in convicted cases.
Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) units have been established in every district,along with institutional mechanisms to spread awareness and curb drug abuse.
Public Role Crucial:
The Minister urged citizens,parents,educational institutions and employers to work together in addressing the menace.
He appealed to the public to report drug-related activities via helplines 112 and 1922 or through the KSP app,assuring confidentiality.
Strong action is also being taken against foreign nationals involved in drug trafficking,including deportation and prosecution.
