Daijworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Aug 24: Mangaluru Police have swooped down on the drug mafia  in Mangaluru. The police have been carrying out a special drive to rid the city of drugs. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao have directed Mangaluru City Police commissioner Kuldeep Jain to go hard on drug related crimes.

In the last three months, Mangaluru Police have been making arrests of drug peddlers and ensured a cut in supplies. Mangaluru has always been in the forefront of drug menace as much as it has been challenging for cops because the city has a high student population and it also shares the border with Kerala.

Since June over 61 peddlers have been arrested and the police have seized over Rs 50 lacs worth of drugs such as MDMA, charas and ganja. Even two cases have been filed and 108 kilos of chocolates laced with drug substance  seized, according to Police Commissioner Kuldeep Jain.

"We are also conducting special drives in educational institutions and are interacting with parents where a lot of information is being shared which has in turn led us to continue with the drive against drugs. So far we have conducted tests for 800 people among which 211 were tested positive for drug consumption," he said.

Recently, people of Kudroli conducted a campaign to rid the locality of drugs.

As per CCB, 1184.5 grams of MDMA amd 52.290 kilos of ganja were seized in 2023. After the introduction of the special drive since June, 24 of them have been arrested and 1022.5 grams of MDMA besides 2 kilos of ganja, a two-wheeler and eight four-wheelers were also seized valued at Rs 1,0690,130.

In 2022, 12 cases were reported among which 9 ganja cases carrying 166.25 grams were seized and the remaining three cases with 169 grams of MDMA with 30 accused were seized valued at a total of Rs 80,14,960.

In gambling 13 cases were filed, 46 cases of Matka involving 148 persons were detained and a chargesheet was filed. "We have also warned the clubs against illegal activities. We have also got specific information from the public which has made it easier for us to conduct raids and we continue to expect the same support from the public," said Kuldeep Jain.

Educational institutions also should take up the initiative to conduct awareness campaigns among the students with regard to drugs. Parents should also keep an eye on their children about their children's routine and behavioural changes.