In a significant anti-narcotics operation to ring in the New Year, Mangaluru police have uncovered a worrying trend of substance abuse, with 52 individuals testing positive for drug consumption. Shockingly, nearly half of those identified are students, highlighting a deep-seated concern within the coastal city.
New Year Drive Based on Credible Intelligence
The crackdown was not a random check but a meticulously planned city-wide drive. Acting on specific and credible intelligence inputs along with observations of suspicious behaviour, police teams from all stations across Mangaluru swung into action. The operation, which took place recently, focused on pinpointing individuals suspected of being involved in the drug trade or consumption.
Authorities deployed a systematic screening process, targeting a list of suspects compiled from various sources. The scale of the preliminary effort was substantial, with police questioning and screening approximately 1,000 suspects during this unique initiative. The use of drug detection kits and medical examinations led to the conclusive identification of the 52 positive cases.
Student Involvement Raises Alarm Bells
The most distressing detail to emerge from the police data is the high involvement of young people in academia. Of the 52 persons who tested positive, 25 are students from various educational institutions in and around Mangaluru. This statistic has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting serious questions about drug accessibility and peer pressure among the youth.
While the police have not yet disclosed the specific institutions these students belong to, the revelation underscores an urgent need for intervention at educational levels. The incident points to a potential network pushing narcotics within student circles, a issue that law enforcement and educational authorities are now compelled to address jointly.
Legal Repercussions and Ongoing Investigation
All 52 individuals who tested positive are now facing legal action under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The Mangaluru police have registered cases and the investigation is ongoing to trace the source of the drugs and unravel the entire supply chain.
The timing of the drive, around New Year's celebrations, is strategic, as such periods often see a spike in recreational drug use. The police have stated that this rigorous screening and zero-tolerance approach will continue in the future to deter drug abuse. The operation serves as a stern warning to both peddlers and consumers in the region.
Community leaders and child welfare experts have called for concerted awareness campaigns in schools and colleges alongside strict policing. The Mangaluru incident, dated 01 January 2026, is a stark reminder of the pervasive challenge of drug abuse, demanding a multi-pronged strategy focusing on prevention, enforcement, and rehabilitation.
