Kodagu Records Sharp Spike in Drug-Related Cases in January 2026

According to police data, nine people were arrested for drug peddling and 53 residents were booked for consumption of narcotic substances in January 2026. (The image is for representative purposes only.)

Madikeri: Kodagu district has seen a sharp rise in drug-related offences, with police registering as many as 63 cases of drug peddling and consumption under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in January 2026 alone.

Superintendent of Police R.N. Bindu Mani said the sudden spike was a cause for concern, pointing out that while 153 NDPS cases were registered in the entire district between January and December 2025, more than 60 cases were booked within just the first month of the new year. During January, police seized over 2.6 kg of marijuana and booked around 60 people under the Act.

According to police data, nine people were arrested for drug peddling, while 53 residents were booked for consumption of narcotic substances in January 2026. Most of the cases involved marijuana, though the police have also detected instances of MDMA and other synthetic drugs being peddled in the district in recent months.

In response to the rising numbers, the police have launched a special drive to identify and crack down on local marijuana peddlers. Efforts are also under way to trace key drug suppliers operating from neighbouring districts, the SP said, adding that surveillance and intelligence gathering have been stepped up.

Alongside enforcement, the police department has intensified awareness campaigns across schools and colleges to curb drug abuse, particularly among students. Meetings have been held with school managements and teaching staff to sensitise them to signs of drug consumption and peddling within educational institutions.

As part of the district-wide anti-drug drive, the Virajpet police recently held a meeting with representatives of educational institutions in the subdivision, stressing the need for vigilance, early intervention and coordination with law enforcement to prevent drug abuse among youth.

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