Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 16: The Karnataka government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against narcotic drugs, declaring that the fight against drug abuse will continue until the state becomes drug-free by 2028.
As part of this mission, the state officially launched Operation RISE on June 30. The state-wide anti-drug campaign aims to strengthen Karnataka's fight against narcotics through coordinated law enforcement, prevention, public awareness, and rehabilitation programmes. The initiative focuses on taking stringent legal action against illegal drug networks, creating awareness among youth, and providing rehabilitation services for drug addicts.
The 'Beda Bro' campaign has been designed specifically for students and young professionals. It aims to discourage drug abuse, promote a healthy lifestyle, and reduce the demand for narcotic substances among young people.
Under the campaign, all police units have been directed to implement designated activities in their respective districts and taluks within a 20-day period. In addition, awareness and preventive programmes are being organised extensively in association with educational institutions, parents, local communities, and the health department.
According to statistics released by the Mangaluru City police commissionerate, a total of 717 NDPS cases were registered during 2025, involving 231 drug peddlers and 723 consumers. As of July 15, 2026, 426 NDPS cases had been registered, involving 142 peddlers and 438 consumers. At present, 95 accused arrested in NDPS cases are in judicial custody, including six foreign nationals.
In 2025, Mangaluru City police registered 116 drug peddling cases in which 231 peddlers were arrested, besides 601 drug consumption cases involving 723 consumers. During the year, police seized 324.074 kg of ganja and 6.017 kg of synthetic drugs, arrested 953 Indian nationals and one foreign national, and seized narcotics valued at Rs 7,50,26,380.
As of July 15, 2026, police had registered 84 peddling cases resulting in the arrest of 142 peddlers, along with 342 drug consumption cases involving 438 consumers. During the period, 150.329 kg of ganja and 7.072 kg of synthetic drugs were seized. A total of 578 Indian nationals were arrested, while the estimated value of the seized narcotics stood at Rs 8,08,94,230.
Drug screening conducted among college students showed that 5,340 students were tested in 2025, of whom 14 tested positive. As of July 15, 2026, 1,524 students had been tested, with eight found positive.
According to the Dakshina Kannada district police, 29 NDPS cases were registered in 2025, involving 33 drug peddlers and 20 consumers. As of July 15, 2026, the district had registered 44 NDPS cases, involving 44 peddlers and 48 consumers.
During 2025, the district police registered 16 drug peddling cases, arrested 33 peddlers, and booked 13 drug consumption cases involving 20 consumers. Police seized 14.49 kg of ganja, 66.0476 grams of MDMA, and 1.02 grams of methamphetamine. A total of 53 Indian nationals were arrested, and the total value of the seized drugs was estimated at Rs 3,61,480.
As of July 15, 2026, the district police had registered 15 drug peddling cases, arrested 44 peddlers, and booked 29 drug consumption cases involving 48 consumers. During this period, 106.90 kg of ganja and 656.36 grams of MDMA were seized. A total of 92 Indian nationals were arrested, while the value of the seized narcotics was estimated at Rs 1,11,19,780.
The state government said that Operation RISE and the 'Beda Bro' campaign are strengthening the fight against narcotics through a comprehensive strategy combining law enforcement, public awareness, rehabilitation, and active community participation. The initiatives are aimed at creating a safer, healthier, and addiction-free society while encouraging young people to stay away from drugs and build a better future.
As part of the campaign, Anti-Drug Committees have been formed in 174 educational institutions under the Mangaluru City police commissionerate and 101 educational institutions under the Dakshina Kannada district police. Educational institutions are obtaining voluntary undertakings from students at the time of admission, regular anti-drug awareness programmes are being conducted, students are periodically subjected to drug consumption tests, Mobile Forensic Laboratories are being used for on-the-spot drug testing, and specially trained Belgian Malinois dog squads are being deployed to detect the transportation and storage of narcotic substances.