Is Drug Peddling Increasing in Mangalore & Udupi? Who are the Targets?

Is Drug Peddling Increasing in Mangalore & Udupi? Who are the Targets?

November 11: Cases related to ganja peddling in Udupi and Mangalore have been increasing drastically. A large number of students from outside the state and foreign countries pursue their studies in educational institutions in Manipal and Mangalore. The drug peddlers have been targeting these students mainly. The police have been taking all the required measures to crack down on drug peddlers.
In Mangalore police commissionerate jurisdiction, 73 drug peddlers have been arrested in the last two months. Commissioner of Police Harsha had expressed concern over consumption of anti-depressant drugs instead of ganja. he mentioned that youth are also addicted to various substances like whiteners, nail polish removers and petroleum as well. Parents, guardians and educational institutions should come forward to identify persons addicted to drugs and help the victim to get medical support for de-addiction, he said. He had also warned of conducting raid on hostels after getting search warrants if management of educational institutions fail to initiate action to eradicate drug menace.
In Udupi, the number of cases registered under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act had been increasing drastically in the last three years. 166 cases have been registered in 2019 till date. In the month of October alone, more than 50 cases have been registered.  Udupi SP Nisha James said that ganja and other substances are being supplied in parcel through train, buses and through courier as well.
Police personnel attached to Cyber crime, Economic offences, and Narcotics (CEN) and DCIB have started cracking down on ganja consumption and sale  In a majority of cases, ganja is supplied from Goa, Kerala, Mumbai, and Bangalore.