Karnataka Police seize drugs worth ₹850 crore, arrest 32,000 people in three years: Priyank Kharge

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge flagged off a National Unity Day motorcycle rally organised by the Karnataka Police as part of its awareness campaign against narcotic drugs, at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on October 15, 2026. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Thursday (October 15, 2026) said the State police had seized drugs worth ₹850 crore and arrested around 32,000 people as part of the intensified campaign against drug abuse and trafficking over the past three years.Speaking after flagging off the Karnataka Police contingent of the National Motorcycle Rally on the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha, Kharge said the figures reflected the police force’s commitment and efforts at the grassroots level in tackling the drug menace.He said the State had been pursuing its anti-drug campaign through initiatives such as the RISE programme and the BEDA BRO campaign, focusing on enforcement as well as public awareness, particularly among young people. He also cited the conviction of around 10,000 drug peddlers during the period. The seven-member biker team will travel across Karnataka to create awareness about drug abuse and encourage public participation in the campaign before proceeding to Gujarat for the national-level programme. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Seven bikers from BengaluruThe rally, organised as part of Rashtriya Ekta Divas 2026 celebrations and comprising seven bikers from Bengaluru, aims to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and strengthen public participation in the fight against narcotics.A total of 200 police personnel from Karnataka will participate in the national initiative, which brings together police personnel from States, Union Territories and Central Police Organisations. The contingents will travel from their respective States and converge at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat for the Ekta Parade.The Karnataka contingent comprises personnel from the Karnataka State Reserve Police, Bengaluru City Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Bikers’ Unity Calls India.On the first day, October 15, the rally will cover locations in and around Bengaluru. The contingent will begin its onward journey to Ekta Nagar on October 16.A rally for awarenessThe seven-member biker team will travel across Karnataka to create awareness about drug abuse and encourage public participation in the campaign before proceeding to Gujarat for the national-level programme. Another team of officials will represent Karnataka through police band performances.The central theme of the rally is “Fight Against Drugs”. The initiative seeks to educate citizens about the dangers of substance abuse, encourage open discussions and connect those in need with appropriate support systems. The Karnataka contingent comprises personnel from the Karnataka State Reserve Police, Bengaluru City Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Bikers’ Unity Calls India. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Rashtriya Ekta Divas is observed annually on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose contribution to India’s political integration is widely recognised.The rally underscores the role of inter-agency coordination, community engagement and public awareness in building a drug-free society, the organisers said. Published - October 15, 2026 05:15 pm IST