In a major step against the rising drug menace, the Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissionerate carried out its first anti-drug operation of 2025, testing 505 individuals on suspicion of drug use. Shockingly, 197 tested positive.
This marks the fifth such drive in the last nine months. Acting on leads from over 40 drug peddlers arrested earlier this year, police identified and tested suspected drug users at KMC-RI in Hubballi and DIMHANS in Dharwad. So far, 46 new cases have been booked.
The individuals who tested positive include students, daily wage laborers, auto drivers, and office-goers. They were taken to RN Shetty Kalyan Mantap, where police addressed their families about the harmful effects of drugs. The emotional scene saw some parents in tears—many were unaware of their children’s involvement, while others expressed helplessness despite repeated warnings.
According to Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar, legal action is underway. First-time offenders may get station bail, while repeat users and peddlers will face arrest and court proceedings. Over five drives, more than 2,000 people have been tested, with nearly 1,000 found to be drug users. Over 200 FIRs have been filed so far.
The Commissioner revealed that drugs, especially ganja, are entering the region from Telangana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Bengaluru, and even Kerala. Synthetic drug trafficking is also being investigated.
With a zero-tolerance policy in place, the police aim to make the twin cities drug-free.
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