The Karnataka government on Tuesday announced the launch of two major campaigns ‘Operation Rise’ and ‘Beda Bro’ with the aim of making the state drug-free. Chief Minister D.K. The Shivakumar-led government said the campaign will be launched with a combination of strict action against narcotics and psychotropic drugs, public awareness and rehabilitation.
In a statement issued on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the government said that a policy of ‘zero tolerance’ against drugs has been adopted in the state. Calling it a “war” against drugs, the government said the campaign will continue until the problem is completely eradicated.
According to the government, the urban areas of the state are most affected by the drug problem. The reasons for this are the large student population, working youth, nightlife, presence of foreign citizens and digital networks. Investigating agencies have revealed the involvement of synthetic drugs, supply through couriers and foreign nationals in many cases.
The statement said that the drug problem in Karnataka is increasing due to both demand and supply reasons. Peer pressure, stress, entertainment and experimentation among youth drive the demand for drugs, while organized crime gangs, interstate trafficking networks, international gangs and digital platforms fuel its supply.
To deal with this challenge, the government has further strengthened the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF). Under this, the police will take coordinated action through ‘Operation Rise’, while the youth will be made aware of the ill effects of drug abuse through the ‘Beda Bro’ campaign.
The government said that in the ‘Beda Bro’ campaign, the youth will be made aware of the physical, mental, social and legal ill effects of drug addiction by giving messages in their language and style. They will also be motivated to avoid peer pressure, take right decisions and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Under this campaign, emphasis will also be laid on connecting youth with sports, education and skill development activities. Awareness programs, workshops, social media campaigns and interactive programs will be organized across the state.
On the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Karnataka Police will also destroy 4,276.405 kg of seized drugs worth Rs 97.90 crore after the permission of the court.
The government also released figures of action taken against drugs. In the year 2025, the police seized drugs worth Rs 216.93 crore, while between January 1 and May 31, 2026, drugs worth Rs 184.72 crore were recovered.
In the year 2025, cases were registered against 9,064 accused under the NDPS Act, while in the year 2026, action has been taken against 6,651 people so far.
Police arrested 2,611 drug smugglers in the year 2025, while 1,406 smugglers were caught in the first five months of 2026. At the same time, action has been taken against 6,455 people in 2025 and 5,090 people in 2026 so far on charges of consuming drugs. Moreover, 41 drug manufacturers have been arrested in 2025 and 17 manufacturers in 2026 so far.
The government said the campaign against drug abuse will be further intensified by adopting a holistic strategy with the participation of law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, civil organizations and society. The government reiterated that every possible effort will be continued to make the state drug free.
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