In a major anti-drug operation, Bengaluru police have arrested 23 individuals, including two foreign nationals, for allegedly possessing and distributing narcotic substances and banned tobacco products valued at nearly ₹8 crore in the illegal market.

The crackdown was carried out by the Anti-Narcotics Wing of the Central Crime Branch (CCB) in coordination with various police stations across the city. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, officers conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations suspected to be linked to a drug distribution network.

Drugs and tobacco products seized

According to police, the arrested individuals include six persons from other states, 15 local residents and two foreign nationals. All have been booked under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

During the operation, police seized a large quantity of narcotic substances, including hydro ganja, cocaine, MDMA, methamphetamine and ganja. Authorities also recovered banned tobacco products such as e-cigarettes, hookah sets, foreign cigarettes and refill cartridges.

Officials said the seized contraband is estimated to be worth around ₹4 crore, while its value in the illegal market could exceed ₹8 crore.

Network targeted college students

Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused allegedly procured narcotic substances from suppliers operating both within India and abroad at lower prices before selling them at higher rates.

Police suspect that a significant portion of the drugs was being distributed among college students and other consumers for illegal profit.

Investigators are now examining the financial transactions and communication records of the accused to uncover the full extent of the network.

Probe expands beyond Bengaluru

All 23 accused have been produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.

Police said efforts are under way to identify the domestic and international suppliers allegedly involved in the racket. Officials believe the arrests could lead to the exposure of a larger network engaged in the trafficking and sale of narcotics across multiple regions.

Authorities have indicated that further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.