Foreign students involved in drug peddling network: Home Minister G Parameshwara

Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwar expressed concern over the involvement of foreign students in the drug trade within the state of Karnataka. The minister revealed that notorious drug peddlers had been identified, and stringent legal action would be taken against them.

In a press conference held at the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner’s office on Friday, Dr. Parameshwar stated that the Ministry of External Affairs would be notified, and the ambassadors of the countries concerned would be informed about the situation. He emphasized that if any foreign students were found to have committed crimes, appropriate measures would be taken against them.

The minister further highlighted a disconcerting trend where individuals obtain visas for a one-year period but end up residing in the state for much longer, up to ten years. He assured that immediate action would be taken against those overstaying in the state even after their visas had expired. As many as 106 individuals have already been deported, he added.

Dr. Parameshwar affirmed that Bengaluru would not be allowed to become a hub for drug trafficking. The primary objective is to make the city drug-free, and strict actions would be taken toward achieving this goal.

Addressing the increasing incidents of drug sales and consumption, the home minister acknowledged that eliminating the problem entirely might prove challenging. Nevertheless, he highlighted that compared to other metropolitan cities, Bengaluru has relatively fewer drug-related cases, he said.

To combat drug issues, police officers have been actively visiting schools and colleges to raise awareness about the perils of drug abuse, he said.

Dr. Parameshwar also mentioned the persistent issue of illegal sand peddling in the Bhima River. The home minister assured reporters that the illegal sand trade would be curtailed. Two accused have been arrested in connection with the death of a police head constable, who was struck down by a tractor used for illegal sand transport in Kalaburagi. Appropriate action will be taken against the culprits responsible for this incident, he said.