Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 5: The drug menace in the state is reportedly crossing limits, and it is not just Bengaluru, as drug-related cases are also increasing in Mangaluru. It has been observed that foreign students are also involved in these cases. In Dakshina Kannada district and Mangaluru city, a total of 2,731 cases have been registered over the past three years.
In recent days, more stringent action has been initiated in the state regarding drug-related offences. Police are cracking down on drug trafficking networks. Foreign nationals are said to be involved in the narcotics trade, and peddlers are targeting school and college students as well as youth, making it a challenging task to control the menace.
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As per the year-wise data, in 2023, Mangaluru city recorded 713 cases and Dakshina Kannada recorded 66 cases. In terms of arrests, Mangaluru city saw 942 arrests and Dakshina Kannada recorded 85 arrests. In 2024, Mangaluru city registered 1,114 cases and Dakshina Kannada 44 cases, while arrests stood at 1,398 in Mangaluru and 61 in Dakshina Kannada. In 2025, Mangaluru city recorded 717 cases and Dakshina Kannada 29 cases, with 953 arrests in Mangaluru and 51 in Dakshina Kannada. In 2026 so far, 44 cases have been registered in Mangaluru city and 4 in Dakshina Kannada, while arrests stand at 62 in Mangaluru city and 6 in Dakshina Kannada.
According to the home department, several measures are being taken to control the drug menace. In particular, educational institutions are being contacted regarding the consumption and sale of narcotic substances in school and college areas. Strict action is being taken against shops selling narcotics and other intoxicating substances within a 100-metre radius of educational institutions and against those found involved in such activities.
Legal action is being initiated within police station limits to curb the spread of ganja, opium and other narcotic drugs. Awareness programmes are being conducted in schools and colleges at regular intervals to educate students about the harmful effects of drug abuse and to prevent them from falling into addiction.
Police patrolling has been intensified in and around school and college campuses, and stringent action is being taken against those selling narcotic substances. Station house officers have been instructed to promptly register cases and take action under the law as soon as information regarding drug sales is received from educational institution heads or the public.
Under the awareness campaign, directions have been issued regarding the steps to be taken at the police station level in connection with the consumption and sale of narcotic substances. Instructions have also been given to effectively implement measures aimed at creating a drug-free Karnataka. Information of accused persons in NDPS cases is being recorded and maintained in police IT software/NIDAAN portal, and data analysis is being carried out to monitor the movements of the accused.
Public awareness is also being created about the toll-free helpline number 1933 to lodge complaints against the sale and consumption of narcotic substances. Tight surveillance is being maintained at suspicious high-security locations, and surprise inspections are being conducted at parcel services, courier centres, resorts and farmhouses. Special patrolling is also being carried out in city outskirts to prevent drug parties.