Bengaluru: In a major anti-narcotics operation, Bengaluru City Police have seized drugs worth over ₹36 crore and arrested 16 individuals as part of a coordinated multi-agency crackdown, officials said on Wednesday.
Multi-agency operation leads to arrests
The operation was carried out jointly by the Central Crime Branch, North East Division, North Division and the Anti-Narcotics Wing. Among those arrested are four foreign nationals, eight individuals from other states and four local residents.
G Parameshwara, Home Minister of Karnataka, confirmed the development during a press conference, stating that cases have been registered against all accused under relevant provisions.
“Drugs worth over ₹36 crore have been seized. This is a significant step in our ongoing efforts,” he said.
Zero-tolerance policy on drugs
The minister reiterated the state government’s commitment to tackling the drug menace through a comprehensive strategy targeting supply, production and consumption.
“Our goal is to make Karnataka and Bengaluru drug-free. We are taking strict action at every level,” he said, emphasising a zero-tolerance approach towards narcotics trafficking and abuse.
Rising enforcement and seizures
According to police data, drugs worth more than ₹130 crore have been seized so far in 2026. A total of 1,959 cases have been registered, including 256 against peddlers and 1,703 against consumers.
Authorities have arrested 2,591 Indian nationals and 21 foreign nationals under the NDPS Act this year.
Deportation of foreign nationals
The crackdown has also led to increased action against foreign nationals found involved in illegal activities or overstaying visas.
Officials said 401 foreign nationals were deported in 2025, while 427 have already been deported in 2026 so far, including 286 Bangladeshi nationals. These figures include individuals linked to drug-related offences as well as immigration violations.
Focus on public safety measures
The Home Minister also highlighted improvements in crowd management and policing during major public events, including the recent IPL season.
This comes in the backdrop of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede 2025, where 11 people lost their lives during celebrations last year. Authorities said recommendations from the inquiry report have been implemented to prevent such incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The latest crackdown reflects intensified efforts by Bengaluru Police to dismantle drug networks and strengthen enforcement. With large-scale seizures and arrests continuing, authorities say they remain committed to curbing the spread of narcotics and ensuring public safety.