Bengaluru Police Seize Rs 6.26 Crore Worth of Drugs in Major Crackdowns

As Bengaluru prepares for New Year celebrations, city authorities are taking strong action to curb the growing drug trade. In an effort to ensure public safety, City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda has called for a zero-tolerance approach toward drug-related crimes. Recent crackdowns across the city have resulted in significant drug seizures and arrests, highlighting the authorities' commitment to tackling this menace.

A Major Haul: Over 320 Kg of Drugs Seized

In one of the largest drug busts in recent months, Bengaluru police confiscated 320.56 kg of ganja and 1.734 kg of other narcotics, including MDMA crystals and cocaine. The total street value of the seized substances is estimated at a staggering ₹6.26 crore. These operations underline the scale of drug trafficking in the city and the police’s relentless efforts to combat it.

On January 21, 2024, the Govindapura Police arrested three individuals involved in smuggling large quantities of ganja. Acting on a tip-off, officers intercepted a car in HBR Layout and seized 318 kg of ganja, valued at ₹3.25 crore. The operation also resulted in the confiscation of a car and three mobile phones used in the trafficking.

Investigations revealed that the suspects procured ganja at low costs from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, intending to sell it at high margins in Bengaluru. These individuals have a notorious criminal history, including charges of drug theft, attempted murder, and other crimes in Kerala. Their records include registration under the Gunda Act. A case has been filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and further investigations are underway.

In another operation, the Electronic City Police apprehended two individuals for selling ganja in Bettadasanapura. The police seized 2.56 kg of ganja, a weighing machine, and a mobile phone, with a total value of ₹1 lakh. Upon interrogation, the suspects admitted to purchasing the banned substance from a supplier at a lower price and reselling it for profit. Authorities are now working to identify the primary supplier and dismantle the wider trafficking network.

The Central Crime Branch (CCB) Anti-Narcotics Squad dealt a major blow to high-value drug trafficking in Bengaluru by arresting two foreign nationals involved in distributing banned substances. Acting on intelligence, officials raided a residence in Hessarghatta and seized 1.52 kg of MDMA crystals, 202 grams of cocaine, and 12 grams of MDMA ecstasy pills. Additional items, including two mobile phones and an electronic weighing machine, were also confiscated. The total value of the seized drugs is estimated at ₹3 crore.

Further investigations revealed that the accused had entered India five years ago on medical visas and sourced drugs from African-based suppliers in Mumbai and Delhi. They sold these substances at exorbitant rates, ranging from ₹12,000 to ₹15,000 per gram, primarily targeting college students and IT professionals. These individuals were previously involved in drug trafficking cases in Mumbai and Hyderabad and are suspected to have connections with an international drug syndicate. They were handed over to Soladevanahalli Police Station for further questioning.

Bengaluru's recent drug busts underscore the growing challenges posed by local and international drug networks. Authorities are ramping up efforts to trace suppliers and dismantle these operations to safeguard the city’s youth and professionals. These significant seizures and arrests mark a strong beginning in the fight against the drug menace as Bengaluru steps into the New Year.