Bengaluru records 177 student arrests in alleged narcotics supply cases

Bengaluru recorded 177 of Karnataka’s 228 student arrests this year in cases involving alleged narcotics supply or peddling, Home Minister Priyank Kharge told the legislative assembly.

The statewide figure is up from 36 such arrests in 2024. Arrests of students for alleged narcotics consumption fell from 415 in 2024 to 297 in 2025 and 167 so far this year. Bengaluru recorded 12 of the consumption arrests, bringing its total number of student arrests in narcotics cases to 189.

In March, Bengaluru police screened 585 students at six institutions and two hostels in the Vijayanagar subdivision. Thirty-one tested positive for substance use and were offered counselling and medical support.

DCP (Crime) Raja Imam Kasim P said organised networks were drawing teenagers into peddling with promises of easy money. He called for family support and counselling for young people who use drugs or are drawn into peddling.

The state launched Operation RISE and the Beda Bro awareness campaign in June. A proposal to allow the Anti-Narcotics Task Force to register FIRs and investigate trafficking cases is under consideration.