<p>Belagavi: A sustained crackdown by Belagavi City Police on drug trafficking and consumption has resulted in a significant surge in cases this year, already nearing the combined figures of the past two years. Alongside this, action against matka and gambling rackets has also intensified, with enforcement figures steadily climbing.</p><p>Belagavi’s strategic location at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa has long made it a key transit point for narcotics, with drug peddling and consumption posing serious challenges. The City has frequently seen gangs smuggling drugs from northern states, using both public transport and private vehicles to move the contraband toward southern Karnataka and Goa.</p><p><strong>Aggressive campaign</strong></p><p>Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase said, the department had launched an aggressive campaign to root out the drug menace within City limits. He stated that enforcement is being carried out not only against peddlers but also against those caught consuming banned substances. “We are also going after the major players behind these networks. Our aim is to curb the supply chain and ensure such activities are put to an end,” Borase said.</p><p>In 2023, city police registered 23 drug-related cases and arrested 34 people. A total of 12.679 kg of drugs worth Rs 5.71 lakh was recovered. The following year, in 2024, 25 cases were recorded with 39 arrests, and the police seized 11.788 kg of drugs valued at Rs 10.68 lakh. Cases were registered against 30 people for consumption of drugs and 40 for peddling, he said.</p><p>This year, 2025, has already seen 20 drug cases registered as of mid-July, with 42 accused arrested. Seizures have amounted to 17.232 kg of narcotics worth Rs 6.23 lakh. Police have booked 21 individuals for consumption and 23 for peddling so far.</p><p><strong>Crackdown on illegal gambling</strong></p><p>Borase also highlighted a parallel crackdown on illegal gambling, including matka. In 2023, a total of 123 cases were registered, leading to the arrest of 411 individuals and seizure of Rs 9.15 lakh in cash. In 2024, 124 cases were filed with 326 people booked and Rs 12.56 lakh recovered. </p><p>As of now, in 2025, 95 cases have already been registered, with 256 accused and cash seizures amounting to Rs 6.49 lakh. </p><p>The Police Commissioner assured that the drive against narcotics and illegal betting activities will continue with full force. </p><p>“We are committed to making Belagavi a safer place. These operations are aimed at sending a strong message that criminal activity will not be tolerated in any form,” he added.</p>
<p>Belagavi: A sustained crackdown by Belagavi City Police on drug trafficking and consumption has resulted in a significant surge in cases this year, already nearing the combined figures of the past two years. Alongside this, action against matka and gambling rackets has also intensified, with enforcement figures steadily climbing.</p><p>Belagavi’s strategic location at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa has long made it a key transit point for narcotics, with drug peddling and consumption posing serious challenges. The City has frequently seen gangs smuggling drugs from northern states, using both public transport and private vehicles to move the contraband toward southern Karnataka and Goa.</p><p><strong>Aggressive campaign</strong></p><p>Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase said, the department had launched an aggressive campaign to root out the drug menace within City limits. He stated that enforcement is being carried out not only against peddlers but also against those caught consuming banned substances. “We are also going after the major players behind these networks. Our aim is to curb the supply chain and ensure such activities are put to an end,” Borase said.</p><p>In 2023, city police registered 23 drug-related cases and arrested 34 people. A total of 12.679 kg of drugs worth Rs 5.71 lakh was recovered. The following year, in 2024, 25 cases were recorded with 39 arrests, and the police seized 11.788 kg of drugs valued at Rs 10.68 lakh. Cases were registered against 30 people for consumption of drugs and 40 for peddling, he said.</p><p>This year, 2025, has already seen 20 drug cases registered as of mid-July, with 42 accused arrested. Seizures have amounted to 17.232 kg of narcotics worth Rs 6.23 lakh. Police have booked 21 individuals for consumption and 23 for peddling so far.</p><p><strong>Crackdown on illegal gambling</strong></p><p>Borase also highlighted a parallel crackdown on illegal gambling, including matka. In 2023, a total of 123 cases were registered, leading to the arrest of 411 individuals and seizure of Rs 9.15 lakh in cash. In 2024, 124 cases were filed with 326 people booked and Rs 12.56 lakh recovered. </p><p>As of now, in 2025, 95 cases have already been registered, with 256 accused and cash seizures amounting to Rs 6.49 lakh. </p><p>The Police Commissioner assured that the drive against narcotics and illegal betting activities will continue with full force. </p><p>“We are committed to making Belagavi a safer place. These operations are aimed at sending a strong message that criminal activity will not be tolerated in any form,” he added.</p>
