Bengaluru’s police have shifted their stance, treating drug users as victims rather than criminals, leading to a sharp drop in cases filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Data from the City Crime Record Bureau reveals a decline from 4,555 cases in 2021 to just 495 in 2024.

Police Commissioner B Dayananda confirmed the policy change aims to target suppliers instead of users, many of whom are addicts needing help rather than punishment. “We focus on disrupting the supply chain, not prosecuting the end user,” he said.

Despite the decline in cases, the drug problem remains complex. Networks involving foreign nationals, illegal sales at some medical stores, and covert trafficking persist. A government task force formed last year has yet to take concrete action, and police lack authority to prosecute unauthorized drug sales at medical outlets.

The Central Crime Branch (CCB) now leads enforcement efforts, moving away from the old strategy of cracking down on users and small dealers, which proved ineffective. Instead, users are encouraged to inform on suppliers. This tactic helped uncover a major ganja supply route from Visakhapatnam in 2023.

With digital platforms facilitating drug distribution, police have pressured courier companies to strengthen internal controls. Delivery agents employed by these apps have come under scrutiny to prevent their use in drug transport.

The trade also involves foreign nationals, often students or medical visa holders, targeting the city’s youth and IT professionals. Landlords must notify police when renting to foreigners to help curb this.

Users now avoid face-to-face deals, opting for digital transactions and hidden pickup spots, complicating police detection efforts.

The policy shift has also reduced complaints of police misconduct related to drug arrests, improving trust.

As part of prevention, police engage with parents and teachers to raise awareness about drug use signs among children.

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