Mysuru: To support the state govt’s drive to make Karnataka drug-free by 2028, Mysuru city and district police will launch ‘Operation RISE’ and the Gen Z campaign ‘Beda Bro’ to educate youngsters. They also plan to set up anti-drug committees in every college.At a joint press meet in city, police commissioner Seema Latkar and SP Mallikarjun Baladandi said the govt has declared a zero-tolerance policy against narcotic drugs and that the fight must continue relentlessly until the state becomes drug-free.Explaining the drive, Latkar said under Operation RISE — Refuse, Inform, Support, Empower — the govt officially launched a statewide anti-drug campaign on June 30.Through the “Beda Bro” campaign, youth will be reached with simple messaging. The initiative seeks to educate them on the physical, psychological, social and legal consequences of drug addiction, while motivating them to make responsible choices and resist peer pressure. Seema Latkar said both police wings have lined up several awareness programmes.Anti-drug committees in collegesLatkar said committees will be formed in coordination with jurisdictional police to keep campuses drug-free. These panels will organise awareness programmes and encourage the collection of confidential information on drug possession and sale.NDPS Cases in Mysuru CityNDPS Cases in Mysuru districtSource: Police departmentBaladandi said under the ‘Sanmithra’ initiative, 133 drug addicts have been brought back into the mainstream through counselling and regular follow-ups by police personnel, with support from medical professionals.Police said special drives such as the ‘Vimukthi Campaign’ will continue. The initiative includes a WhatsApp number and QR code to report drug possession, sale and trafficking. Public can share information on consumers or peddlers through WhatsApp number 8277948080 and the QR code introduced in April.Among other measures, police will conduct random drug tests in colleges and hostels and intensify awareness campaigns on social media.According to Latkar, Karnataka recorded 22,892 NDPS cases between 2023 and 2026 (to date). Police arrested 31,271 accused and seized 28,292kg ganja worth Rs 794.5 crore. Of those held, about 9,556 have been convicted under the NDPS Act.
