Major Drug Bust in Bengaluru: Police Seize Narcotics Worth Rs 4 Crore, Arrest 10 Peddlers
In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Bengaluru police have arrested 10 individuals and seized illegal drugs valued at approximately Rs 4 crore. The operation, which targeted a widespread drug peddling network, uncovered that the substances were sourced from foreign countries and distributed through multiple channels across the city.
Details of the Arrests and Seizures
The Amruthahalli police in Bengaluru conducted a series of raids following a tip-off about drug sales near the Jakkur railway track. This led to the initial arrest of four suspects, including two from outside Karnataka. During interrogation, the accused confessed to procuring narcotics from abroad and other states at lower prices, then selling them locally at higher rates to earn substantial profits.
From these arrests, the police seized:
- 1 kg of hydro cannabis
- 50 g of MDMA
- 500 g of charas
- 8 kg of cannabis
- Six mobile phones used in the operation
Further investigations led to the arrest of five more individuals on Kanakapura Road, all from outside the state. From them, authorities recovered:
- 2 kg of hydro cannabis
- Two cars
- Eight mobile phones
- Rs 36,000 in cash
The tenth suspect was apprehended near the Satellite Bus Stop on Mysuru Road, where police seized 500 LSD strips and 2 kg of cannabis.
Profile of the Accused and Distribution Network
Among the 10 arrested, seven are from Kerala, two from Karnataka, and one from Delhi. The police identified key accused including Kushal Goud, 23, from Bengaluru, who has a previous drugs case registered in Tumkur, and others such as Shashank from Delhi and several individuals from Kerala.
Officials revealed that the drugs were routed through specific peddlers assigned to different areas in Bengaluru. These peddlers supplied the narcotics to local distributors, who in turn sold them to known customers. The police noted that the primary consumers included students and IT professionals, highlighting the drug menace's penetration into urban youth and professional circles.
Police Statement and Public Appeal
Mithun Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North East), emphasized the importance of public cooperation in combating drug trafficking. He stated, "My advice to the general public is that if you suspect anyone in your surroundings is involved in the consumption or peddling of drugs, immediately inform the police. This menace can be tackled only with public cooperation."
He added that the police are working proactively, with strict action planned against peddlers, and arrests of consumers are also likely. Kumar further mentioned that investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the drugs, indicating a broader effort to dismantle the supply chain.
Implications and Ongoing Efforts
This bust underscores the challenges of narcotics control in metropolitan areas like Bengaluru, where drugs are smuggled from international sources and distributed through sophisticated networks. The seizure of high-value drugs such as MDMA and LSD strips points to the demand for synthetic and psychotropic substances among users.
The police's multi-pronged approach, involving raids, interrogations, and public appeals, aims to curb the spread of drug abuse. As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on uncovering more leads to disrupt the entire trafficking operation and protect vulnerable groups from addiction.
