Narcotics worth over Rs 30 cr seized: Minister Priyank Kharge

Bengaluru, Jul 11 (PTI) Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday said the government's commitment to eliminating the drug menace in the state achieved another significant success, with narcotics worth Rs 30.43 crore seized, including 29 kg of MDMA. He said the Karnataka government is strictly implementing a "zero tolerance" policy against narcotics. In a series of sustained operations conducted by the Bengaluru City Police, an interstate narcotics trafficking network was busted. Police seized a total of 29 kg of MDMA, 20 grams of cocaine, and 1,000 ecstasy tablets, the minister's office said in a statement. The estimated value of the seized drugs is Rs 30.43 crore (with a market value of approximately Rs 60.86 crore), the statement added. During the overall operation, police registered five cases and arrested eight accused, including one foreign national, he said. In an operation under the jurisdiction of the Hebbal Police Station in the North Division, police arrested a foreign national and seized 17.282 kg of MDMA worth Rs 17.28 crore. The minister said investigations are continuing to uncover the interstate drug supply network. In another operation carried out by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) Anti-Narcotics Squad, police seized 6.718 kg of MDMA and 20 grams of cocaine, valued at Rs 7.15 crore. Four accused were arrested in this case, and investigations have been intensified to trace the source of the drugs and the financial network behind the operation, the statement added. In a separate case under the jurisdiction of Girinagar Police Station, police seized 5 kg of MDMA and 1,000 ecstasy tablets, valued at approximately Rs 6 crore. The Minister stated that the police department is continuously working to uproot drug networks destroying young people. He emphasised that there will be no compromise against anyone involved in the production, transportation, sale, or consumption of narcotic substances. Police units across the state are working in coordination, with close surveillance on both interstate and international drug trafficking networks. Noting that over the past few weeks, the Bengaluru City Police have registered hundreds of cases and arrested several accused in anti-drug operations, Kharge said that by seizing narcotics worth several crores of rupees, the police have continued to deal major blows to drug trafficking networks operating in the state. The Home Minister also appealed to the public, especially parents and educational institutions, to work closely with the police in combating drug abuse. He urged citizens to immediately report any suspicious activities to the police and cooperate in making society drug-free. PTI KSU ADB