Mysuru: Mysuru City police have intensified their anti-drug operations and identified 341 individuals who consumed ganja and were possessing ganja and MDMA. Interestingly, the majority of them are labourers, daily-wage earners, and some of them are students and dropouts.Deputy commissioner of police (crime) KS Sundar Raj said under the leadership of commissioner of police Seema Latkar, city police have been conducting drives every day since July 27 and raiding lodges, paying guesthouses, shops, and suspected places, including parks, to verify if anyone is involved in the illegal business of peddling narcotic substances, including ganja and ecstasy drugs.About 2,300 youths were picked up for tests to examine whether they were under the influence of drugs. Of them, 332 tested positive for the consumption of drugs. Cases were filed against them under the NDPS Act, as the consumption of banned substances is an offence. The majority of those who tested positive were labourers. A few were students, and many were dropouts and unemployed, the DCP stated.A few were booked for possessing ganja and MDMA, banned narcotics. The consumers purchased drugs for consumption from individuals who approached them with drugs. An investigation has been launched to track down the peddlers.During the raid, the houses of known offenders were also checked after obtaining court permission, police said. About 13.8kg of ganja and 149gm of MDMA, with a total worth of Rs 6.6 lakh, have been seized, the DCP explained.DCP (law and order) Bindu Mani is overseeing the surprise raids and awareness programmes to educate the public and students about the adverse impact of drug consumption and the punishment for peddling narcotic substances.The crack down comes in the wake of the arrest of four youths by Mumbai police, who were allegedly involved in producing narcotics in north Mysuru. This incident prompted local authorities to ramp up their efforts to tackle the drug menace. The drive aims to dismantle the drug network, if any, in Mysuru, focusing on both users and suppliers, and reflects the commitment of the police to create a drug-free environment.
