Mangaluru: 10 students among 488 test positive for drug use, says Commissioner Sudhir Kumar Reddy

Mangaluru: 10 students among 488 test positive for drug use, says Commissioner Sudhir Kumar Reddy

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 13, 2025: Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudhir Kumar Reddy said that during intensified checks against narcotics, drug consumption was detected among 10 students during college inspections over the past one-and-a-half months.

Addressing the media at the Commissioner’s office, he said 113 colleges have come forward for regular drug testing. Of these, inspections were carried out in 40 institutions based on complaints and suspicions, where 10 students tested positive for drug use and necessary action was taken.

In public checks conducted during the same period, more than 1,200 people were tested, of whom 478 were found positive for drug use.

Over the last three months, Mangaluru police have arrested 73 drug peddlers, with 37 still in jail. Last year, 160 drug suppliers were arrested, while this year so far, 132 have been arrested.

In 2023, a total of 713 NDPS cases were registered, leading to the arrest of 948 people and the seizure of narcotics worth ₹1.71 crore. In 2024, 1,114 cases were registered with 1,404 arrests and drugs worth ₹82.51 crore seized. In 2025 so far, 477 cases have been registered, 610 people arrested, and drugs worth ₹2.04 crore seized. In the last three days alone, four peddlers were caught with 2.5 kg of ganja.

To aid in reporting drug use and supply, police have introduced QR codes in all colleges, which have resulted in several complaints and helped track down offenders. This operation will continue, and public cooperation is sought, he added.

Rs 1.07 crore fine collected in just 12 days

Under a special drive allowing a 50% discount on pending traffic fines, 42,600 violators cleared their dues between August 23 and September 12 within Mangaluru Police Commissionerate limits. A total of ₹1.07 crore was collected, Commissioner Reddy said.

DCPs Mithun and Ravishankar were present at the briefing.