Archive · 2 Feb 2026
Karnataka Faces Synthetic Drug Surge Amid Political Tensions
Karnataka is facing a big problem with synthetic drugs like mephedrone.
The police in Maharashtra found drug-making places in Bengaluru and took a lot of drugs and money.
The Karnataka government says they worked together, but others say the government is not doing enough.
Later, the central drug agency found another big drug operation in Mysuru, the home area of the Chief Minister.
Some politicians are very angry and say the government is not stopping these drugs.
Everyone is arguing about who is responsible and what to do next.
Maharashtra’s Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) raided three sites in Bengaluru, seizing 21.4 kg of mephedrone and equipment worth Rs. 55.88 crore.
Karnataka’s Home Minister disputed the haul’s value, claiming it was only Rs. 1.2 crore from a single location.
The NCB discovered a covert drug lab in Mysuru’s Hebbal Industrial Area, seizing 35 kg of mephedrone and over 500 kg of raw materials.
BJP leaders accused the Congress government of harboring illicit operations and failing to act decisively against drug threats.
The political dispute centers on the effectiveness of Karnataka’s law enforcement and the government’s response to the drug surge.
- Who
- Karnataka government, Maharashtra’s Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), BJP leaders, and drug syndicates
- What
- A surge in synthetic drug production and political disputes over law enforcement effectiveness
- When
- December 2025 and January 28, 2026
- Where
- Bengaluru and Mysuru, Karnataka
- Why
- Perceived gaps in local surveillance and political accusations of inefficiency
- Drug Seized
- 21.4 kg of mephedrone in Bengaluru
- Estimated Value
- Rs. 55.88 crore (disputed)
- Second Raid Location
- Mysuru
- Second Drug Seized
- 35 kg of mephedrone
- Second Estimated Value
- Rs. 10 crore
- Ringleader
- Mahindra Kumar Vishnoi from Surat
- Raw Materials Seized
- Over 500 kg
- Cash Seized
- Rs. 25.6 lakh