Karnataka Home Minister Firmly Denies NCB's Rs 10 Crore Drug Seizure Allegation
In a strong rebuttal to the Narcotics Control Bureau's (NCB) assertion that it had confiscated narcotics worth Rs 10 crore from Karnataka, Home Minister G Parameshwara categorically stated on Saturday that no drugs or raw materials for manufacturing narcotic substances were seized anywhere in the state. Speaking at the inauguration of a new building for the Siddartha Nagar traffic police station near Kurubarahalli Circle in Mysuru, Parameshwara emphasized that the state police are committed to preventing Karnataka from becoming like Punjab, where drug trafficking and peddling are widespread.
State Police Resolve to Combat Drug Menace
Parameshwara expressed frustration over what he called an unfair comparison of Karnataka with Punjab, highlighting the proactive measures being taken by his department to curb narcotics use. He asserted that the state police are unwavering in their determination to act against drug peddlers, promising to deal with offenders with a heavy hand. The minister revealed that cases are being registered daily against individuals involved in drug-related crimes across Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka, with several foreigners allegedly implicated in trafficking having been deported.
Clarification on Mysuru Incident and Broader Concerns
Addressing a specific case in Mysuru, Parameshwara clarified that while the NCB arrested a person linked to synthetic drug manufacturing in connection with a North India case, no raw materials were recovered locally. He expressed surprise at the NCB's subsequent statement claiming a Rs 10 crore seizure, and cited a previous instance where a Maharashtra police unit had made similar claims about drug-making materials in Mysuru, which he alleged were exaggerated.
Parameshwara pointed out that such issues are being blown out of proportion, while intelligence reports indicating the presence of 27 contentious chemical labs in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra are being downplayed. To address this, he has instructed jurisdictional police to closely monitor chemical factories within their areas and conduct regular inspections. He warned that if any factory is found producing banned substances, the responsible police officials will be held accountable.
Recognition for Bengaluru's Safety
In a positive note, Parameshwara commented on a Chennai-based consultancy firm's report that ranked Bengaluru as the safest place for women among 125 cities in India. He expressed pride in this recognition, underscoring the state's efforts to maintain law and order and ensure public safety amidst ongoing challenges.
