Bengaluru Drug Racket Busted: 23 Arrested, narcotics and banned tobacco worth ₹8 crore seized
In a major crackdown on illegal drug trafficking, Bengaluru police have arrested 23 individuals, including two foreign nationals, in connection with the possession and sale of narcotic substances and banned tobacco products valued at an estimated ₹8 crore.
The operation was carried out by the anti-narcotics squad of the Central Crime Branch in coordination with local police stations across the city over multiple days. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted coordinated raids at several locations linked to the alleged supply and distribution network.
According to police, the arrested individuals include six persons from other states and 15 local residents. All accused were booked under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
During interrogation, the accused reportedly admitted to sourcing narcotics from unidentified suppliers based both within India and abroad at lower prices before distributing them at higher rates, particularly targeting college students and other customers for illegal profits.
A large quantity of contraband was seized during the raids, including hydro ganja, cocaine, MDMA, methamphetamine, and ganja, along with banned tobacco products such as e-cigarettes, hookah sets, foreign cigarettes, and refills.
Police said the estimated value of the seized substances is around ₹4 crore, while their market value in illegal trade is approximately ₹8 crore.
All 23 accused have been produced before the court and remanded to judicial custody. Investigators are now focusing on tracing the wider supply chain, including identifying the domestic and international networks allegedly involved in supplying the banned substances.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and further arrests are likely as efforts continue to dismantle the larger drug distribution network operating in the city.
