Mysuru: Mysuru city police, who launched a campaign against narcotic substances, are increasingly using drone cameras to monitor illegal activity in selected localities.The aerial surveillance serves as a preventive and enforcement tool to track suspicious movement, identify gathering spots and keep watch over overcrowded or densely populated areas that are hard to monitor through routine patrolling. Police officials said the initiative strengthens the ongoing anti-drug drive and improves real-time monitoring of locations previously linked to unlawful activity.
According to police, drones have already had a deterrent effect. Miscreants who earlier used terraces and other elevated or secluded spaces for illegal acts began clearing those areas as aerial surveillance intensified.City police commissioner Seema Latkar told TOI that the visible presence of drone monitoring has created a sense of fear among offenders, with police teams continuously using drones to check for unlawful activities.Police sources said drone surveillance is currently targeted, focusing on selected localities based on inputs, past incidents and patterns of complaints related to possession, sale and transportation of banned drugs.The technology allows officers to observe from above, document activity and coordinate ground teams more effectively when intervention is needed. It also helps cover wider stretches in a short time, especially during hours when conventional monitoring is limited.Latkar said drone-based monitoring will continue as part of broader efforts to curb unlawful activities, especially those involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The aim is to prevent crime, discourage drug-related activity and ensure public spaces are not misused.Responding to a query, the said aerial monitoring will soon be deployed in tourist places as well, along with regular patrols and enforcement measures, to maintain vigilance and improve overall law and order.
