Mysuru: A month after launching Vimukthi, an initiative encouraging the public to report any drug activity to city police, it has helped cops in detecting a few cases. The latest was the arrest of five persons, including one from Kerala, for possessing synthetic drugs and ganja.The Vimukthi campaign, which aims to make the city drug-free, was launched by home minister G Parameshwara. As part of the initiative, the police have appealed to the public and parents to share information about anyone suspected of being involved in drug consumption or related activities through a dedicated WhatsApp number (8277948080). The response has been encouraging, with many people coming forward to provide tips and details about suspects. Police said this public cooperation has already helped them crack a few cases and take action against those involved. At the same time, officials have noted that not every suspicion was proved correct. In several instances, parents who were worried about changes in their children’s behaviour approached the police fearing drug use, but later it was found that their concerns were unfounded. Commissioner of police Seema Latkar informed TOI that police are verifying every information shared on the WhatsApp number and details of informants are kept secret. 400 drug consumers are under Sanmitra radar Under the Sanmitra initiative, which was launched by Karnataka police to fight the drug menace, as many as more than 400 drug consumers are under the radar of Mysuru city police. About 60% of them were daily-wage earners.The objective of this drive is to keep tabs on the activities of the drug consumers, and it is not just limited to enforcement alone, but cops are trying to trace the supply chain, identify peddlers and larger networks involved in the illegal trade, and ultimately reach the source of ganja distribution.Officials said the campaign is designed with a dual approach: strict action against traffickers and a rehabilitative response for users. Instead of treating consumers only as offenders, the police are also working to guide them towards counselling, de-addiction support, and rehabilitation services by deploying constables. Commissioner of police Seema Latkar informed TOI that city police have found more than 400 persons, including eight students, having consumed ganja, and respective jurisdiction police are keeping an eye on the activities of those found consuming ganja. Of them, about 232 are daily-wage earners.
