Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Dec 12: The state government is considering stringent measures, including the demolition of houses rented to foreign nationals involved in drug trafficking, as part of a comprehensive strategy to curb drug peddling across Karnataka, home minister G Parameshwara said on Friday, December 12.
Responding to a question raised by Congress MLC K Abdul Jabbar in the Legislative Council regarding the growing drug menace in Bengaluru, Davanagere, and the coastal districts, the home minister detailed the wide-ranging steps taken since the Congress government assumed office.
Highlighting the involvement of some foreign nationals, he said, “Many foreign students from African countries have come to Karnataka. Some of them are involved in drug peddling. We arrest them and file cases, but once a case is filed, we cannot deport them. In fact, they prefer that cases be filed so that deportation does not become an option.”
He said that after completing necessary procedures, around 300 individuals have been deported.
Officials are tracing those previously deported and taking action against local property owners who rent out houses to offenders, he added.
“We are even at the stage of demolishing rental buildings where such individuals stay,” Parameshwara said.
The home minister reiterated that the government has adopted tough measures since coming to power. “The chief minister has stated in the House that we will make Karnataka a drug-free state,” he said.
To curb drug use among youth, the department has instructed officials to regularly visit educational institutions.
“Yesterday alone, in a single day, our officers visited and inspected 1,000 schools and colleges in Bengaluru. This must be done regularly,” he said.