Karnataka Police arrest 6,651 and seize drugs worth Rs 184.72 crore

The Karnataka Police booked 6,651 individuals and seized illicit drugs worth Rs 184.72 crore during a massive state-wide crackdown between January 1 and May 31, 2026. The operations targeted drug trafficking networks across the state, leading to the arrest of manufacturers, peddlers, and consumers. According to the police, criminal networks suffered repeated blows as investigators uncovered staggering quantities of illicit substances during the operations.

Official statistics show that over the 151-day period, authorities seized narcotics worth an average of Rs 1.22 crore every day, which translates to approximately Rs 5.1 lakh worth of drugs confiscated every hour. The scale of the operation also resulted in an average of 44 accused individuals being booked daily, translating to nearly two accused people every hour.

Among those targeted under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, police apprehended 1,406 drug peddlers, averaging one arrest every 2.6 hours. Additionally, 5,090 consumers were booked during the five-month period, representing more than one person every hour. Investigators also arrested 17 drug manufacturers, averaging about one arrest every nine days, which highlights the scale of the fight against the drug menace.

To prevent the recirculation of illicit drugs and reinforce the state's crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse, police announced that 4,276.405 kilograms of the seized narcotic substances, valued at Rs 97.90 crore, will be destroyed. This destruction will be carried out in accordance with legal procedures after obtaining the necessary permissions from the concerned courts.

Alongside law enforcement actions, police highlighted the "Beda Bro" campaign, a youth-centric anti-drug awareness initiative. The campaign is designed to prevent substance abuse through education and community participation. Using simple and relatable messaging, the initiative highlights the physical, mental, social, and legal consequences of drug abuse.

The campaign also encourages young people to resist peer pressure and adopt healthy alternatives such as sports, education, and skill development. Through workshops, social media outreach, and awareness programmes, the initiative seeks to involve educational institutions, parents, and local communities in creating a drug-free society.