Mangaluru: Police bust student drug network; five arrested, Commissioner issues warning

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Apr 8, 2026: In the educational hub of Mangaluru, police have launched a major operation against a drug network that was targeting students. Five students allegedly involved in drug peddling have been taken into custody, and several crucial leads have been obtained from them, said Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy.

In a video message, the Commissioner revealed that the case came to light after a parent informed the police about a small packet of ganja found with their son. During the investigation into the source of the supply, it was discovered that five students, instead of staying in college hostels, had rented rooms outside. From there, they were procuring narcotics from other places, packaging them, and distributing ganja.

The probe further revealed that nearly 40 students from six different colleges, along with around 10 outsiders, were part of the distribution network. Authorities have stated that both the students involved and their parents will be counselled regarding the issue.

Issuing a warning to parents, the Commissioner urged them to closely monitor changes in their children’s behaviour. He advised parents to stay alert if their children are living outside hostels and to understand the reasons behind it. “If parents and colleges work together to monitor students, such issues can be prevented. Any suspicion or information should be immediately reported to the police to help resolve the problem effectively,” he said.

The Commissioner also noted that, for the first time to his knowledge, five students have been arrested in a drug peddling case, and they possessed a list of customers from various colleges. He assured that strict action will be taken in the matter.