Pramesh S Jain
In a major push to combat narcotics and substance abuse,the Karnataka government on Tuesday launched ‘Operation RISE’ and the ‘Beda Bro’ awareness campaign,reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy against drugs through a comprehensive strategy combining enforcement, prevention,rehabilitation and public participation.
The twin initiatives were launched to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and form part of the state’s intensified anti-drug campaign under the leadership of Chief Minister D.K.Shivakumar and Home Minister Priyank Kharge.
As part of the observance,Karnataka Police will also destroy 4,276.405 kg of seized narcotic substances worth ₹97.90 crore,after obtaining court permissions.
Officials said the destruction is aimed at preventing seized drugs from re-entering circulation and strengthening the state’s anti-narcotics efforts.
Operation RISE:
Operation RISE—an acronym for Refuse,Inform, Support and Empower—is a multi-department initiative designed to tackle both drug trafficking and substance abuse through coordinated enforcement and preventive measures.
The programme seeks to encourage young people to refuse drugs, spread awareness about the harmful effects of narcotics,promote counselling and rehabilitation services,and involve families,educational institutions and communities in early intervention.
The initiative brings together multiple government departments, including the Police,Revenue,Transport, Higher Education,Medical Education,Health,and the Drugs Controller,to jointly strengthen enforcement, monitor illegal drug activities, conduct awareness programmes and improve rehabilitation services.
The government said the strategy also includes department-wise action plans to prevent drug abuse on educational campuses,intercept narcotics in transit, reduce demand among vulnerable youth,and dismantle organised drug trafficking networks through end-to-end investigations.
To strengthen enforcement, the government has empowered the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) with police station powers,established dedicated courts for speedy disposal of cases under the NDPS Act,upgraded district hospitals for drug consumption testing,and enhanced the capabilities of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).
‘Beda Bro’ Campaign Targets Youth:
Alongside Operation RISE,the government launched the ‘Beda Bro’ campaign,a youth-centric awareness programme aimed at discouraging substance abuse through simple,relatable messaging.
The campaign will focus on educating young people about the physical, mental, social and legal consequences of drug abuse while encouraging healthy alternatives such as sports,education and skill development.
Awareness drives,workshops,social media campaigns and interactive programmes will be conducted across educational institutions and communities to promote informed decision-making and help young people resist peer pressure.
The government said parents,teachers and local communities would also play a key role in creating a supportive environment to prevent substance abuse.
Enforcement Intensified
The government said Karnataka has significantly strengthened its anti-drug enforcement in recent years through aggressive crackdowns on organised drug networks.
To monitor foreign nationals allegedly involved in narcotics trafficking,police launched a special tracing campaign,registering 24 cases under the Foreigners Act against overstaying foreign nationals.
According to official data,Karnataka seized narcotic substances worth ₹216.93 crore in 2025,booking 9,064 accused,including 2,611 peddlers,6,455 consumers,and 41 manufacturers.
In 2026 (up to May 31),the state has already seized drugs worth Rs.184.72 crore, with 6,651 accused booked,including 1,406 peddlers,5,090 consumers,and 17 manufacturers.
The government reiterated that it remains committed to eliminating drug trafficking and substance abuse through sustained enforcement,public awareness, institutional strengthening and rehabilitation, with the long-term goal of making Karnataka a drug-free state.
