In a major anti-narcotics operation, the Bengaluru City Police have arrested eight individuals, including five foreign nationals, and seized drugs worth Rs 30.43 crore, officials said on Saturday. Police teams from Hebbal and Girinagar, along with the Central Crime Branch (CCB) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), carried out coordinated operations leading to the seizure of 29 kg of MDMA (commonly known as molly), 20 grams of cocaine, and 1,000 ecstasy pills. Among those arrested are two local residents and one individual from another state.
Data released by the police indicates a sharp rise in drug-related cases. A total of 2,936 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act have been registered across Bengaluru in 2026 so far. In these cases, 3,840 individuals—including 37 foreign nationals—have been arrested, and 1,415 kg of narcotics worth Rs 221.27 crore have been seized.
Between June 3 and July 9 alone, 565 NDPS cases were registered, resulting in the arrest of 729 Indian nationals and 11 foreign nationals. During this period, 205.566 kg of drugs worth Rs 50.43 crore were confiscated.
The police have also launched a special anti-drug campaign titled RISE (Refuse, Inform, Support, Empower) to curb drug abuse among youth. The initiative involves coordination between multiple departments, including police, revenue, transport, higher education, health, and drug control authorities.
Since the campaign’s launch on July 1, 135 cases have been registered under the NDPS Act, with 156 Indian nationals and five foreign nationals arrested. Authorities have seized 49.133 kg of banned substances worth Rs 32.28 crore during this period.
Speaking at an event held at Vidhana Soudha, Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar issued a stern warning against any involvement of police personnel in illegal activities.
“No police officer should be involved in deals and crimes. If found involved, strict action will be taken. Take this as a request or an instruction,” he said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that drugs worth Rs 375 crore were seized in the past year and around 1,500 drug peddlers were arrested. He announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for teams that successfully bust major drug networks.
Home Minister Priyank Kharge emphasised the importance of strengthening forensic capabilities for effective investigation. He noted that mobile forensic laboratories play a crucial role in collecting scientific evidence at crime scenes.
“The state currently has 32 mobile forensic laboratories and has added 75 new police vehicles to enhance operational efficiency,” he said.
Authorities stated that the intensified crackdown and awareness campaigns are part of a broader strategy to dismantle drug networks and prevent substance abuse among the youth.
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