Bengaluru, Dec 5 (NationPress) The authorities have successfully confiscated 1,407 kg of narcotics with an estimated worth of Rs 160 crore over the past 11 months in the tech city of Bengaluru, as announced by Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Friday.

“In our pursuit of a drug-free Karnataka, an Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has been established and is currently operational,” he noted.

“During this period, 1,407 kg of narcotics valued at Rs 160 crore have been seized in Bengaluru. Over 300 foreign nationals linked to drug trafficking have been expelled. In 2024, drugs worth Rs 98 crore were confiscated, while in 2023, the amount was Rs 103 crore—a significant achievement. A statewide awareness initiative has been launched in all educational institutions regarding the detrimental effects of drug abuse. This campaign will persist. We will show no leniency in combating drug trafficking,” Parameshwara affirmed.

The Home Minister emphasized that the police department operates in a community-friendly manner, ensuring that citizens do not encounter any inconvenience.

“Three new divisions have been introduced in Bengaluru. Additionally, a Deposits Fraud and Criminal Intelligence Unit has been established within the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). A new CID sub-division has also been set up in Belthangady due to the rising number of cases,” he added.

“A total of 9,000 AI-enabled cameras have been installed at 160 key junctions in Bengaluru, allowing for instant streaming of any incident to the control room. Furthermore, an additional 700,000 cameras have been deployed. The Forensic Science Laboratory has been upgraded, facilitating report availability within two months. It stands as one of the leading forensic laboratories in India,” Parameshwara stated.

He dismissed opposition claims of an increase in murder cases, asserting that the statistics do not back such allegations. “In 2021, 1,340 murder cases were logged. This rose to 1,364 in 2022, 1,389 in 2023, and dropped to 1,202 in 2024. Up until November 2025, 1,142 murder cases have been recorded. The majority of these incidents stem from family disputes or property conflicts,” he explained.

“In the coastal area, incidents of murder and communal violence have disturbed peace. To tackle the growing animosity in society, Special Action Forces have been deployed in Mangaluru, Udupi, and Shivamogga. More than 300 personnel have received specialized training,” he added.

“Based on the intelligence gathered, a Special Action Force has now been dispatched to Mandya district as well. Following the establishment of these forces, there have been no murders or communal altercations in the coastal region—the situation is fully under control. During my latest visit to Mangaluru, I received positive feedback from the locals regarding the government’s initiatives,” the minister stated.

“Karnataka Police ranks first nationally in delivering justice to its citizens. According to the India Justice Report, Karnataka attained a score of 6.78 out of 10 and secured the top position. The police and judiciary have collaborated effectively, especially in providing justice to marginalized communities,” Parameshwara concluded.