Mangaluru city police have registered 1,090 drug-related crime cases in 2024, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. The authorities have seized various illicit substances, including 191.073 kg of ganja worth Rs 77.12 lakh, 7.305 kg of MDMA valued at Rs 6.59 crore, and smaller quantities of other drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and LSD.

Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal reported a staggering 314% rise in synthetic drug seizures, with the total value of drugs confiscated surging by 339% this year. The number of arrests also rose by 45%, with three Nigerians identified as major players in the city’s drug supply chain.

Over the past three years (2022-2024), 216 drug peddling cases have been registered, with Ullal police station leading this year with 10 peddling cases. Drug consumption cases also saw a sharp rise, with 1,002 cases reported in 2024 alone, a 62% increase from 2023.

The police have taken extensive action, with 2,818 Indians and 11 foreigners arrested between 2022 and 2024. In July, a special operation uncovered contraband items in Mangaluru’s district jail, where 40 out of 120 tested prisoners were found positive for drugs.

In addition to law enforcement, the city police conducted 212 awareness campaigns targeting schools, colleges, and vulnerable communities to combat drug abuse.