K’taka: Narcotics valued at Rs 30.43 crore seized, 8 held

Bengaluru, July 11 (IANS) Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday said the state police force has achieved another major success in its crackdown on narcotics, with Bengaluru City Police dismantling an inter-state drug trafficking network and seizing banned narcotic substances worth Rs 30.43 crore.

Addressing the media, Kharge said the police recovered 29 kg of MDMA, 20 grams of cocaine, and 1,000 ecstasy tablets in a series of coordinated operations. The estimated value of the seized contraband is Rs 30.43 crore, while its street value is approximately Rs 60.86 crore.

A total of five cases have been registered, and eight accused, including one foreign national, have been arrested in connection with the operations.

In the first operation, conducted under the jurisdiction of Hebbal Police Station in North Bengaluru, police arrested a foreign national and seized 17.282 kg of MDMA valued at Rs 17.28 crore. The minister said the investigation is underway to trace the inter-state supply network linked to the accused.

In another operation, the Central Crime Branch’s Anti-Narcotics Wing recovered 6.718 kg of MDMA and 20 grams of cocaine worth Rs 7.15 crore. Four persons were arrested in the case, and investigators are probing the source of the drugs as well as the financial network behind the trafficking.

In a separate case registered at Girinagar Police Station, officers seized 5 kg of MDMA and 1,000 ecstasy tablets valued at Rs 6 crore.

Kharge reiterated that the Karnataka government is implementing a strict “zero-tolerance” policy against narcotics and is committed to completely dismantling drug trafficking networks operating in the state.

He said there would be no leniency towards those involved in the production, transportation, sale, or consumption of narcotic substances. Police units across Karnataka are working in close coordination and are also keeping a close watch on inter-state and international drug syndicates.

The Home Minister said Bengaluru City Police have registered hundreds of drug-related cases in recent weeks, arrested several accused, and seized narcotics worth several crores of rupees, dealing repeated blows to organised drug networks.

Kharge also appealed to the public, particularly parents and educational institutions, to cooperate with the police in the fight against drug abuse. He urged citizens to immediately report any suspicious activities to help make Karnataka a drug-free state.

–IANS

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