Mysuru: The Mysuru district police have intensified their drive against drug trafficking following the busting of an inter-State drug network operating between Mysuru, Bengaluru and Kerala. Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi said ganja was being brought into Karnataka from other States, including Odisha, with some consignments containing between one and two kg.
The SP was responding to the Kerala Police operation that led to the arrest of a key supplier, Dhanesh S. Nair alias Dani, 31, from Nanjangud. The case has brought attention to the movement of narcotics across State borders and the alleged use of local properties for cultivation-related activities.
Police step up surveillance on inter-State movement
Mallikarjun Baladandi said the police had received information that ganja supplies were frequently arriving from outside Karnataka, including Odisha. In some cases, consignments weighing between one and two kg were reportedly being brought into the State.
Following this information, the district police have increased surveillance on people arriving from other States as part of efforts to identify possible drug supply networks.
The police are also coordinating with their Kerala counterparts and examining documents shared by them in connection with the recently exposed network.
Nanjangud resident linked to Kerala drug network investigation
According to the SP, Dhanesh S. Nair was originally from Kerala and had no family connections in Nanjangud. He had reportedly pursued higher education in agriculture abroad before leasing a banana plantation in the area to cultivate crops.
Dhanesh had been staying in a rented house in Nanjangud town for the past six months, the SP said.
The Mysuru police are in touch with the Kerala Police to examine the information and documents connected with the case. Baladandi said the police planned to take the main accused into custody after a few days for detailed interrogation.
Farm owners urged to exercise caution
The SP said the police had spoken to local residents and farm owners, advising them to be careful while leasing agricultural land to people from outside the area.
The appeal comes amid the investigation into the alleged drug network and the circumstances surrounding the use of leased agricultural properties. Police are seeking greater cooperation from residents and landowners to prevent properties from being misused.
215 drug consumption cases registered this year
Baladandi said cases relating to drug consumption had declined compared with previous years. However, around 215 drug consumption cases had been registered in Mysuru district during 2026.
He said the police were taking action against both drug consumers and peddlers. Detaining consumers and questioning them was also part of the effort to identify suppliers and trace wider drug distribution networks.
The district police are continuing their investigation in coordination with the Kerala Police, while surveillance has been strengthened to prevent the movement and distribution of narcotic substances.
The SP said enforcement measures would continue against those involved in drug consumption and trafficking.