Bengaluru: In a major anti-drug crackdown, the Narcotics Wing of the City Crime Branch, working with city police units, arrested 15 alleged drug peddlers — including three foreign nationals — for trafficking banned narcotic substances across multiple parts of the city.

The arrests followed a coordinated series of raids carried out on different dates under the limits of several police stations, including Amruthahalli, Hebbagodi, J B Nagar, Sheshadripuram, Mahalakshmi Layout and Govindapura. Officials said the operation was based on sustained surveillance and specific intelligence inputs regarding local distribution networks.

Police described the seizures as one of the more significant recent hauls in terms of variety and estimated market value of narcotic substances recovered.

Large quantities of drugs seized

During the raids, officers seized a wide range of narcotics and psychotropic substances allegedly meant for illegal sale. According to police, the recovered materials include hydro ganja, ganja, MDMA, cocaine, hashish oil and LSD in different forms.

The total seizure includes 9.460 kg of hydro ganja, 34 kg of ganja, 5.677 kg of MDMA, 131 grams of cocaine, 462 ml of hashish oil, 29 LSD pills and 27 grams of LSD strips. In addition to drugs, officers confiscated a car, a two-wheeler, four mobile phones and Rs 24,500 in cash suspected to be linked to the trade.

Investigators said the diversity of substances indicates a well-connected supply chain catering to different user segments in the city.

Value estimated above Rs 21 crore

Police estimated the official value of the seized drugs at around Rs 10.59 crore based on standard calculation metrics used in narcotics cases. However, the approximate street or market value is pegged much higher — at nearly Rs 21.50 crore — reflecting illegal retail pricing.

Officials said the difference between official valuation and street value arises from dilution, repackaging and retail-level margins typically seen in illegal drug distribution networks.

All seized materials have been documented, sealed and sent through proper legal procedure for forensic examination and court submission.

Network linked to foreign and inter-state supply

During preliminary interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed that the drugs were sourced through foreign and inter-state suppliers and routed into the city through covert channels. Police said the substances were then distributed through local peddlers operating in different neighbourhoods.

Investigators believe the network used mobile communication and small vehicle-based delivery methods to avoid detection. Digital evidence from seized phones is being analysed to map contacts, payment trails and logistics patterns.

Police are also probing possible links to larger organised networks operating beyond city limits. Further arrests have not been ruled out as the investigation progresses.

Students and tech workers among target customers

According to officers involved in the probe, the accused allegedly admitted that they targeted customers seeking quick access to synthetic and party drugs, including college students and IT/BT employees.

Police said awareness drives and enforcement actions are being intensified around educational hubs and tech corridors as part of broader anti-narcotics strategy. Surveillance has also been stepped up on repeat offenders and suspected supply routes.

Officials warned that drug trafficking cases will be pursued under stringent provisions of the NDPS Act, which carry severe penalties including long prison terms.

Continued crackdown planned

Senior police officials said the latest operation is part of an ongoing city-wide crackdown on narcotics distribution and consumption networks. More intelligence-based raids are planned in the coming weeks.

Authorities have urged citizens to share credible information about drug sale or storage through police helplines. Informant identities will be kept confidential, officials added.

The coordinated action across multiple police station limits highlights a shift toward network-level enforcement rather than isolated arrests, with a focus on dismantling supply chains end-to-end.