Mysuru: The Mysuru City Police have intensified their campaign against narcotic substances by increasingly deploying drone cameras to monitor illegal activities in selected localities across the city.
The aerial surveillance initiative is being used as both a preventive and enforcement tool to track suspicious movements, identify gathering spots and keep watch over overcrowded or densely populated areas that are difficult to monitor through routine ground patrolling.
Police officials said the move strengthens the ongoing anti-drug drive and enables real-time monitoring of locations previously linked to unlawful activity.
Targeted surveillance in sensitive areas
According to police sources, drone surveillance is currently being conducted in a targeted manner, focusing on specific localities based on intelligence inputs, past incidents and patterns of complaints related to the possession, sale and transportation of banned drugs.
The drones provide a bird’s-eye view, allowing officers to observe activities from above, document evidence and coordinate ground teams more effectively whenever intervention is required. The technology also enables police to cover wider areas within a short span of time, particularly during late-night hours when conventional monitoring may be limited.
Officials noted that terraces, secluded rooftops and isolated open spaces that were earlier misused for unlawful activities are now under closer scrutiny.
Visible deterrent effect
City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar said the visible presence of drone monitoring has created a sense of deterrence among offenders.
She stated that miscreants who previously used elevated or secluded spaces for illegal acts have started clearing those areas as aerial surveillance intensified. Continuous monitoring by police teams has reportedly reduced open gatherings in certain sensitive pockets.
“The use of drone cameras has strengthened our preventive measures. It not only helps in detection but also discourages unlawful activities,” the Commissioner said.
Police believe that the awareness of aerial monitoring has instilled caution among individuals engaged in illegal drug-related activities.
Strengthening anti-drug drive
The drone deployment forms part of a broader strategy to curb the spread of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in Mysuru. Police have been conducting awareness campaigns, inspections and enforcement drives to tackle drug-related offences in recent months.
Officials said the combination of technology and field operations has improved response time and operational efficiency. When suspicious activity is detected through drone footage, nearby patrol teams are alerted immediately for on-ground verification and necessary action.
The initiative also supports crowd management and surveillance during large gatherings or events, ensuring that public spaces are not misused.
Expansion to tourist spots
Responding to queries, Commissioner Seema Latkar said that aerial monitoring will soon be extended to tourist places in and around Mysuru. The move aims to enhance vigilance in high-footfall areas while complementing regular patrols and other law enforcement measures.
Tourist locations often witness heavy crowds, making it challenging to maintain constant surveillance through traditional methods. Drone-based monitoring is expected to supplement existing security arrangements and strengthen overall law and order.
Police emphasised that the objective of the initiative is preventive in nature — to deter crime, discourage drug-related activity and maintain safe public spaces for residents and visitors alike.
Balancing enforcement and public safety
While the use of drone technology marks a significant step in modern policing, officials clarified that surveillance is being conducted in accordance with legal norms and operational guidelines.
The Mysuru City Police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring public safety while adopting technology-driven solutions to address emerging challenges in urban law enforcement.
As the anti-drug campaign continues, authorities expect that the strategic use of drones will play a key role in preventing unlawful activities and reinforcing public confidence in the city’s security framework.