How Did Karnataka Police Crack Down on a Drug Peddling Gang After Parents Spoke Out?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Police responded effectively to a parental complaint.
- A gang of five drug peddlers was apprehended in Mangaluru.
- Narcotics worth Rs 5.20 lakh were seized.
- Community involvement is crucial in tackling drug addiction.
- The police treat drug addicts as victims, focusing on suppliers.
Mangaluru, July 4 (NationPress) In response to a complaint lodged by a concerned parent about his son's struggle with drug addiction, the Karnataka Police have successfully dismantled a drug peddling network in the Mangaluru district, as confirmed by officials on Friday.
The Cyber Crime, Economic Offences and Narcotics (CEN) Police in Mangaluru acted swiftly on the complaint, resulting in the arrest of a five-member gang engaged in distributing drugs, particularly targeting students and local employees within the coastal area.
The apprehended suspects have been identified as Tushar (21), Dhanvi Shetty (20), Sagar Karkera (19), Vikas Thapa (23), and Vignesh Kamat (24), all of whom are residents of Mangaluru. The police have confiscated narcotics valued at Rs 5.20 lakh from their possession.
During the operation, authorities raided the gang's location and detained the suspects as they were in the process of packaging and preparing to sell the illicit substances.
As per police reports, the gang was known to package narcotic substances into small packets, each priced at Rs 1,000. Following initial inquiries and the recording of statements from the suspects, the investigation is shifting focus to uncover the origins of the drugs and the methods of procurement.
Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy revealed that two parents approached the police with concerns about their children's drug addiction. This led to the investigation and subsequent arrest of the five individuals involved in drug trafficking.
He emphasized that the involvement of concerned parents was crucial in dismantling a network that was supplying drugs to approximately 200 individuals. His statement highlighted that if more parents come forward, it could aid in stopping drug distribution to many more.
Commissioner Reddy encouraged the public to share any information with law enforcement. He stated, "With such cooperation, we can ensure that drugs are eradicated from Mangaluru. Our approach is to treat drug addicts as victims while focusing on apprehending suppliers."
In a related development, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) based in New Delhi recently dismantled a significant international drug syndicate with critical operational connections traced back to Udupi, Karnataka.
The investigation revealed that a call center in Udupi played a vital role in coordinating international orders and distributing prohibited pharmaceutical drugs across four continents.