In a significant boost to Mangaluru City police’s anti-drug operations, a Belgian Malinois named Rana, aged nearly three years, has been officially inducted into the city’s narcotics detection squad. The highly trained canine is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to curb the spread of drugs across the coastal city.

City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH said that the force already had a trained dog that was not being utilised and decided to deploy it for narcotics detection. “We are committed to intensifying our anti-drug initiatives, and Rana will play a vital role in tracing narcotics during search operations,” he stated.

Five-member dog squad strengthens city police

Deputy Commissioner of Police (CAR) Umesh P confirmed that the Mangaluru City Police Dog Squad now consists of five trained members, each serving a specialised purpose.

  • Bubli and Ruby, both Dobermans, assist in crime detection.
  • Rani and Charlie, Labrador retrievers, are used for explosive detection.
  • Rana, the Belgian Malinois, has been assigned to narcotics detection.

“Each of these dogs undergoes regular training and assessment to ensure their readiness for field deployment,” said Umesh P.

Rana’s training and achievements

Rana’s handler, Harish S, shared that the canine underwent intensive training at the Adugodi CAR South Police Dog Training Centre in Bengaluru.

“Rana was inducted as a three-month-old pup and completed a six-month training course by the time he turned nine months old,” Harish said. “The training focused on scent detection, tracking, and agility — all crucial skills for narcotics search operations. Daily practice continues even after formal training ends to maintain discipline and efficiency.”

Rana has also brought laurels to the department, winning two gold medals — one at the range-level and another at the state-level duty competitions.

The dog was donated by Dr. Ganapathi Bhat, whose contribution has been appreciated by the police department.

However, Harish admitted that handling Rana is not an easy task. “The Belgian Malinois breed is naturally aggressive, energetic, and highly intelligent. Maintaining control and focus requires consistent practice and patience. Over time, Rana has become a disciplined and reliable police asset,” he explained.

Deployed in high-risk zones

Rana is currently being deployed for narcotics search operations in railway stations, bus stands, and prison premises, areas identified as high-risk zones for drug smuggling.

According to DCP (Law and Order) Mithun HN, the police department plans to intensify search and surveillance operations across Mangaluru in the coming days. “We are determined to root out the drug menace and ensure that peddlers face strict legal action,” he said.

The DCP added that the department is actively tracking previous offenders who were booked last year to determine if they have resumed peddling activities. “This review has revealed that recurring offenders are one of the key reasons behind the rise in recent drug cases,” he noted.

Technology and vigilance to combat drug menace

In June, the Mangaluru City Police introduced a QR code-based anonymous reporting system aimed at keeping educational campuses drug-free. The initiative has received a strong response from the public.

“We are receiving substantial information through this system, and nearly 70% of the inputs are actionable,” said DCP Mithun. “Many colleges are also voluntarily conducting drug tests to maintain clean campuses.”

Authorities have also taken a firm stance against offenders who violate bail conditions. The department has sought bail cancellation for such individuals and has recommended bond forfeiture for habitual offenders and rowdy-sheeters.

Recent drug seizures and arrests

In October alone, Mangaluru City Police registered 31 cases under Section 27B of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, leading to the arrest of 39 individuals. Under Section 8C, three more cases were registered, resulting in the arrest of four persons.

During the same period, police seized 16.3 grams of MDMA worth ₹6.8 lakh and 500 grams of hydroponic ganja worth ₹15 lakh.

Conclusion

With Rana now part of the narcotics detection team, Mangaluru City Police have gained a powerful new ally in their mission to eliminate drug trafficking. The combination of trained canine units, community participation, and technological tools reflects a comprehensive strategy to make the city safer and drug-free.