The Bengaluru police have recorded 28 drug-related cases in 2024, recovering nearly 153 kg of narcotics — including ganja, MDMA, and cocaine — from areas surrounding educational institutions. This reflects a sharp spike compared to 2023, when 43 cases led to the seizure of 89 kg. In the current year (till August 2025), 13 cases and 27 kg of contraband have already been registered.
The statistics were shared in the Legislative Assembly after Yelahanka MLA SR Vishwanath raised concerns over widespread peddling near colleges in his constituency. Despite police claims of vigilance, faculty and parents remain unconvinced. A lecturer from a Yelahanka institution noted, “We conduct awareness programmes, but students are still found consuming drugs right outside the campus, showing how easily accessible they are.”
In a written reply, Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that multiple measures have been adopted to curb the problem. Investigations reveal that narcotics are largely sourced from Maharashtra, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. A senior officer said Karnataka police are collaborating with authorities in these states to disrupt the supply chain.
Border districts such as Bidar, Bengaluru Rural, Raichur, and Kolar are under enhanced surveillance to prevent trafficking into the city. Meanwhile, large-scale awareness campaigns have been rolled out across 9,000 educational institutions, reaching nearly 15 lakh students.
Officials insist these interventions are aimed at both enforcement and prevention. However, concerns remain high as seizures point to the persistence of a thriving drug network targeting Bengaluru’s youth.