Udupi: Expressing concern over the growing menace of substance abuse among youngsters, Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar said the police department is committed to eradicating the drug menace at its roots through sustained enforcement and awareness initiatives. He was speaking on Friday after overseeing the destruction of seized narcotic substances at Ayush Envirotech in the Nandikur Industrial Area.
Drugs destroyed as part of anti-drug observance
The destruction of the seized narcotics was carried out in accordance with court orders as part of the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
According to the police, the destroyed contraband was valued at approximately Rs 36.29 lakh and had been seized in 17 cases registered during the 2025-26 period under the jurisdictions of six police stations in Udupi district.
The narcotics destroyed included 73.9 kg of ganja, 15 grams of MDMA and other prohibited substances seized in various operations conducted by the district police.
Malpe cases accounted for major seizure
The SP said that around 64 kg of the ganja destroyed had been seized under the jurisdiction of the Malpe police station, constituting a major portion of the contraband disposed of during the exercise.
He pointed out that ganja is primarily cultivated in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and is subsequently trafficked into Karnataka through organised networks.
Police have not only arrested drug traffickers but have also initiated legal action against plantation owners and middlemen involved in the illegal trade, including those operating in Odisha, he said.
The district police have intensified efforts to identify and dismantle the supply chain responsible for bringing narcotics into the region.
Police stress awareness and enforcement
Highlighting the growing concern over substance abuse among youth, SP Hariram Shankar said the police department is focusing on both strict enforcement and awareness programmes to combat the drug menace.
He said the fight against narcotics cannot be won through arrests alone and requires active participation from educational institutions, parents and society to prevent young people from falling prey to drug addiction.
The district police have been conducting regular awareness programmes in schools and colleges while simultaneously stepping up surveillance and enforcement activities against peddlers and suppliers.
Senior officers attend destruction process
Several senior police officials were present during the destruction of the seized narcotics at Ayush Envirotech.
Among those present were Additional Superintendent of Police Sudhakar, Additional SP Belliyappa K U, Deputy Superintendent of Police Vijayaprasad, Circle Inspectors Vijayaprasad of Karkala and Ajjath Ali of Kaup, Padubidri Police Station Inspector Shaktivelu, Kaup Police Station Inspector Tejaswi, DCRB Sub-Inspector Gopal Nayak, SOCO personnel, police personnel from various stations and employees of Ayush Envirotech.
The destruction of the narcotics marked another step in the district police’s ongoing efforts to tackle the illegal drug trade and send a strong message against narcotics trafficking.
Conclusion
The destruction of narcotics worth Rs 36.29 lakh and the police department’s continued crackdown underline the seriousness with which authorities are addressing the drug menace in Udupi district. Officials have reiterated their resolve to eliminate drug trafficking networks and protect the younger generation from the dangers of substance abuse.