Mysuru: A major mephedrone drug racket operating from Outer Ring Road in Mysuru was unearthed by Mumbai Police, leading to the seizure of 187.97 kg of mephedrone worth ₹381.96 crore. The bust has prompted Kerala and Tamil Nadu police to heighten surveillance along their borders with Karnataka.
The shocking find exposed a serious lapse in Mysuru Police’s vigilance, sparking public criticism in a city known for its serene reputation and popularity among tourists and students.
While city authorities claim to have confiscated 170 kg of ganja over two years, critics argue there’s been no consistent crackdown on peddlers, especially as drug use among students is suspected to be rising.
Mumbai’s Sakinaka Police stated that the accused chose Mysuru believing it to be a “safe zone” for drug manufacturing, with narcotics routed to Kerala via Wayanad and Tamil Nadu through Chamarajanagar.
Isolated farmhouses, sheds, and godowns in areas like Vijayanagar, Metagalli, and Hebbal were allegedly used to stash and distribute drugs. Police have now launched a damage-control drive — seizing 5 kg of ganja, arresting peddlers, and intensifying checks.
There are now demands for GPS tracking of goods vehicles, surprise inspections near colleges, and dedicated anti-drug units. BJP MP Yaduveer Wadiyar raised the issue in Parliament, calling it a collapse in governance. Political leaders and Kannada activists have demanded resignations and pledged to escalate protests if no action is taken against kingpins.