Mangaluru: In an intensified effort to curb drug abuse and trafficking during the New Year celebrations, the Mangaluru City Police conducted extensive bandobast arrangements and night-long checking operations across the city, leading to the detection of 52 persons who had consumed narcotic substances and the detention of three alleged drug peddlers. The special drive, carried out on Thursday night, was part of the ongoing ‘drug-free Mangaluru’ campaign aimed at dismantling drug networks and discouraging substance abuse, particularly among youth.

The large-scale operation was undertaken amid heightened celebrations to ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and prevent the misuse of narcotic substances during the festive period. Police officials said the checks were both preventive and intelligence-driven, focusing on areas known for crowd gatherings, late-night activity, and previous drug-related incidents.

Night-long checks across police station limits

Mangaluru police conducted coordinated checks across the jurisdiction of all police stations in the city. More than 1,000 suspected persons were stopped and screened during the operation, making it one of the most comprehensive drives in recent months. According to official data, 52 individuals tested positive for the consumption of narcotic substances.

Police sources stated that the checks included vehicle inspections, verification of identity documents, and medical screening where required. Special teams were deployed in sensitive areas, including beaches, city outskirts, lodges, and places where New Year parties were reportedly held.

Officials emphasised that the operation was carried out in a systematic and lawful manner, with due regard to individual rights, while maintaining strict vigilance against drug use and distribution.

Students among those detected

A significant aspect of the findings was the involvement of students among those found to have consumed narcotic substances. Out of the 52 individuals detected, 25 were students. Among them, only two were local residents of Mangaluru, while the remaining 23 hailed from outside the district.

Police officials expressed concern over the increasing vulnerability of students, especially those staying away from home for education, to drug abuse. The authorities noted that peer pressure, easy availability of drugs, and lack of supervision often contribute to such behaviour.

The remaining 27 individuals identified during the checks were members of the general public. This group included 17 labourers and 10 persons engaged in various professions, indicating that drug consumption cuts across social and occupational boundaries.

Seizure of MDMA and arrest of alleged peddlers

In addition to detecting drug consumers, the police also made progress in tackling drug trafficking. In a separate development earlier in the week, a youth was taken into custody on Tuesday in connection with drug peddling. During the arrest, police seized 50 grams of MDMA from his possession.

Further action followed on Wednesday, when two more accused were apprehended with 200 grams of MDMA. All three individuals are reportedly known to the police and have criminal backgrounds. Investigators believe the seized narcotics were intended for distribution during the New Year celebrations, when demand typically rises.

Police officials said that the seizures were the result of sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance, and not merely chance detections during routine checks.

Insights into drug networks

Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy stated that the special operation has yielded valuable information about the network of drug consumers and sellers operating in and around the city. He said the data collected during the checks would help the police identify supply chains, frequent consumers, and potential hotspots for drug activity.

“The operation has given us significant inputs on how drugs are being sourced, distributed, and consumed. This information will play a crucial role in busting the racket in the coming days,” the commissioner said.

He added that the success of the operation reinforces the city police’s commitment to making Mangaluru drug-free through continuous enforcement, awareness programmes, and community cooperation.

Part of ‘drug-free Mangaluru’ campaign

The New Year operation forms part of the broader ‘drug-free Mangaluru’ campaign, under which police have been carrying out regular raids, awareness drives, and school and college outreach programmes. Authorities have repeatedly stated that enforcement alone is not sufficient and that education, counselling, and community involvement are equally important.

Police officials urged parents, educational institutions, and the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to drug use or peddling. They also encouraged individuals struggling with substance abuse to seek help through counselling and rehabilitation services.

Conclusion

The New Year checks in Mangaluru highlight both the scale of the drug problem and the proactive measures being taken by the police to address it. With 52 individuals detected for drug consumption and three alleged peddlers taken into custody, the operation has sent a strong message against narcotics misuse. As police continue to act on the intelligence gathered, authorities hope that sustained efforts and public cooperation will help curb drug abuse and ensure a safer, healthier city.