Drugs – Bengaluru Police Bust Interstate Narcotics Network, Seize Drugs Worth Rs 30 Crore
Drugs –Bengaluru City Police have uncovered a major interstate narcotics network, resulting in the seizure of banned drugs valued at Rs 30.43 crore during a series of coordinated operations carried out across the city. The action led to multiple arrests and marks another significant step in Karnataka’s campaign against organised drug trafficking.
Multiple Operations Lead to Major Drug Seizures
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge said the police recovered 29 kilograms of MDMA, 20 grams of cocaine, and 1,000 ecstasy tablets during separate operations conducted by different investigation teams. According to officials, while the estimated value of the seized narcotics is Rs 30.43 crore, the illegal street market value could reach nearly Rs 60.86 crore.
Authorities have registered five criminal cases in connection with the seizures. Eight people, including one foreign national, have been taken into custody, while further investigations are continuing to identify others linked to the network.
Foreign National Among Those Arrested
One of the largest recoveries was made during an operation carried out by the Hebbal Police in North Bengaluru. Officers arrested a foreign national and seized 17.282 kilograms of MDMA, which officials estimated to be worth around Rs 17.28 crore.
Investigators are now working to identify the wider interstate supply chain believed to be connected to the accused. Police suspect that the seized narcotics were part of a larger distribution network operating across multiple states.
Anti-Narcotics Wing Tracks Financial Links
In another operation, the Central Crime Branch’s Anti-Narcotics Wing recovered 6.718 kilograms of MDMA along with 20 grams of cocaine. Officials estimated the value of the recovered substances at Rs 7.15 crore.
Four individuals were arrested during this operation. Investigators are examining not only the origin of the seized drugs but also the financial transactions that may have supported the trafficking network. Authorities believe tracking the money trail could help identify additional individuals involved in the illegal business.
Separate Girinagar Case Adds to Recovery
Police also registered a separate case under the Girinagar Police Station limits, where officers seized 5 kilograms of MDMA and 1,000 ecstasy tablets. The recovered narcotics have an estimated value of nearly Rs 6 crore.
Officials said each case is being investigated independently while maintaining coordination between different police units to determine whether the accused are linked to a larger organised syndicate.
Government Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Approach
Highlighting the state’s ongoing efforts, Home Minister Priyank Kharge said the Karnataka government remains committed to a strict zero-tolerance policy against narcotics. He stated that authorities would continue taking strong action against every stage of the illegal drug trade, including manufacturing, transportation, distribution, and consumption.
According to the minister, police teams across Karnataka are working closely together while also monitoring interstate and international drug syndicates to prevent the movement of illegal substances into the state.
Public Support Sought to Combat Drug Abuse
Kharge noted that Bengaluru City Police have registered hundreds of narcotics-related cases in recent weeks, leading to numerous arrests and large-scale drug seizures. These operations, he said, have disrupted organised criminal networks involved in drug trafficking.
He also appealed to citizens, particularly parents, educational institutions, and community organisations, to actively support law enforcement agencies. Reporting suspicious activities at the earliest, he said, can play an important role in preventing drug abuse and strengthening efforts to build a drug-free Karnataka.