Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Feb 19: Karnataka has witnessed a sharp rise in cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, with official data indicating a 63 per cent increase within a year, raising serious concerns over growing drug abuse, particularly among the youth.
According to data released by the Karnataka State Police, a total of 4,187 NDPS cases were registered across the state in 2024. This number rose significantly to 6,825 cases in 2025, highlighting the increasing spread of narcotic substances in the state.
The surge in cases has caused grave concern among law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and public health experts. They have warned that the trend reflects both the expansion of organised drug networks and the rising misuse of narcotic substances, especially among young people. Officials have also pointed out that the higher number of cases indicates a combination of intensified police action and the widespread availability of narcotic and psychotropic substances.
Senior police officials stated that focused enforcement drives launched across the state have been one of the key reasons for the increase in detected cases. In recent months, drugs worth crores of rupees have been seized, prompting the formation of special teams to crack down on peddlers, particularly under the jurisdictions of the Mysuru and Bengaluru city police commissioners.
In Mysuru, a Mumbai police team recently raided a drug manufacturing unit located on the outskirts of the city. Additionally, last month, a Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) team confirmed the operation of a clandestine drug manufacturing laboratory within the city. Following these incidents, police have intensified surveillance around urban centres, including educational institutions, IT corridors, transport hubs, and industrial sheds.
“We have stepped up inspections and intelligence-based operations. This has led to the detection of more cases and also points to increasing drug use in society,” a police official said.
De-addiction experts and social workers have cited peer pressure and the easy availability of drugs as major factors driving addiction among the youth. Reports indicate a rise in the circulation of synthetic and psychotropic substances, which are easier to transport and conceal.
Officials further noted that urban centres account for a major share of NDPS cases, while rural and semi-urban areas are increasingly falling prey to drug trafficking. Organised networks are expanding their reach by targeting vulnerable populations, including students and migrant labourers, they added.