Mangaluru: In a proactive move to tackle the growing drug problem, the Karnataka Police have rolled out a unique initiative in Mangaluru, aiming to dismantle drug networks by involving victims, parents, and educational institutions. Despite being an academic hotspot, Mangaluru has recently struggled with communal tension and moral policing, making this intervention all the more urgent.
The Mangaluru Police Commissionerate, under Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, has taken a community-driven approach by collaborating with families of drug abuse victims to trace drug sources. This strategy has already led to the arrest of five suspects and a key supplier, exposing layers of the peddling chain.
Commissioner Reddy stressed that drug users will be treated as victims, not criminals. “We were able to bust a racket serving over 200 users because just two parents came forward. If more families support us, we can tackle this menace at scale,” he said. The appeal for public cooperation has received an overwhelming response, with colleges now volunteering for student screenings and awareness drives.
The initiative targets both the supply and demand sides of drug abuse. Police believe that many peddlers are addicts themselves, and early intervention can prevent users from turning into future dealers.
While acknowledging personnel shortages, the Commissioner remains confident. “With focused action and public participation, we can cut down drug circulation by up to 60%,” he affirmed. The police are optimistic about reaching higher levels in the drug chain with continued community engagement.