Kodagu District Confronts Sharp Rise in Drug-Related Offenses
The serene hills of Kodagu district are facing a disturbing trend as law enforcement authorities report a significant surge in drug-related cases. According to recent police data, the district has witnessed an alarming increase in violations under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, with January 2026 alone accounting for 63 registered cases involving drug peddling and consumption.
Police Statistics Reveal Concerning Patterns
Superintendent of Police RN Bindu Mani provided detailed insights into the escalating situation. While 153 NDPS cases were documented throughout the entire year of 2025, more than 60 cases emerged within just the first month of 2026, indicating a troubling acceleration in drug-related activities. The January 2026 figures represent a substantial portion of the previous year's total, raising serious concerns among law enforcement officials.
During this single month period, authorities seized over 2.6 kilograms of marijuana and initiated legal proceedings against approximately 60 individuals. The breakdown of these cases reveals that nine people faced arrest specifically for drug peddling activities, while 53 residents were booked for narcotics consumption under the stringent provisions of the NDPS Act.
Substance Patterns and Enforcement Strategies
Police investigations indicate that marijuana remains the predominant substance involved in most cases, though authorities have also detected more dangerous synthetic alternatives. Last year's operations uncovered instances of MDMA and other synthetic drug peddling within the district, suggesting a diversification of the local drug trade that presents additional challenges for law enforcement.
In response to this growing threat, Kodagu police have launched a specialized drive targeting local marijuana suppliers. The strategy involves identifying and curbing neighborhood-level peddlers while simultaneously developing intelligence networks to track key drug suppliers operating from adjacent districts. This multi-pronged approach aims to disrupt both the retail and wholesale aspects of the drug trade.
Preventive Measures and Educational Outreach
Recognizing that enforcement alone cannot solve the drug problem, police authorities have intensified preventive measures across educational institutions. A comprehensive awareness campaign has been implemented in schools and colleges throughout Kodagu district, with particular emphasis on protecting students from drug abuse influences.
Police departments have conducted multiple meetings with school management teams and teaching staff to address the concerning issue of drug consumption and peddling within educational environments. Recently, Virajpet police organized a special session with representatives from various educational institutions in their subdivision, as part of a district-wide initiative to combat drug abuse through community engagement and preventive education.
These coordinated efforts represent a holistic approach to tackling Kodagu's drug problem, combining strict enforcement against suppliers with educational interventions targeting potential users. As the district grapples with this challenging situation, authorities remain committed to implementing both immediate crackdowns and long-term preventive strategies to protect community health and safety.
