<p class="bodytext">The raid by the Maharashtra Police, which unearthed an MDMA manufacturing unit in Mysuru, is an indictment of Karnataka’s law enforcement and intelligence machinery. That the Maharashtra Police had to travel 1,000 km to bust a drug operation in the heart of Mysuru, while the local police remained oblivious until they were tipped off on the matter, is both embarrassing and alarming. Home Minister G Parameshwara’s statement that the incident is “worrying” is a gross understatement. Mysuru is not a remote or obscure town; it is a prominent educational and tourism hub, home to prestigious institutions such as the University of Mysore and numerous private colleges, attracting thousands of students from across the country and abroad. The presence of a narcotics manufacturing unit in such a city raises grave questions about the reach of organised crime and the failure of local policing.</p>.<p class="bodytext">MDMA (3,4- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), commonly called ecstasy, is a synthetic drug known for its stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. Long-term abuse can lead to severe brain damage, memory loss, and psychiatric disorders, making it a direct threat to the youth. The seizure of 11 kg of the drug and raw materials, reportedly enough to manufacture over 50 kg, indicates a well-established supply chain, not some small-time street-level peddling. This was a full-fledged production and supply chain, reaching across state borders, exploiting vulnerabilities. The fact that it functioned for weeks, possibly longer, without detection reflects poorly on both the intelligence network of Mysuru Police and the state intelligence department. Mysuru is a compact city with a strong community network; it is inconceivable that such a high-volume business could run without negligence or, worse, complicity. The suspension of the Narasimharaja police inspector, in whose jurisdiction the unit was operating, is a token gesture and far from adequate. The city’s police commissioner and the DCP concerned should also be held accountable for this serious lapse.</p>.MDMA production in Mysuru: Narcotics network changed places every two months.<p class="bodytext">While the state has taken commendable steps, such as launching the ‘Drug-Free Karnataka’ app, such tools are meaningless without rigorous enforcement. The state must move beyond knee-jerk reactions and implement stringent monitoring, inter-agency coordination, and community awareness programmes. Like police officers, elected representatives, and citizens, too, must remain vigilant to detect such illegal activities so that timely action can be taken. If criminal enterprises flourish unchecked, it signals societal apathy. A city celebrated for its heritage, arts, and education cannot be allowed to house drug hubs. Turning a blind eye now will only allow the rot to deepen.</p>
<p class="bodytext">The raid by the Maharashtra Police, which unearthed an MDMA manufacturing unit in Mysuru, is an indictment of Karnataka’s law enforcement and intelligence machinery. That the Maharashtra Police had to travel 1,000 km to bust a drug operation in the heart of Mysuru, while the local police remained oblivious until they were tipped off on the matter, is both embarrassing and alarming. Home Minister G Parameshwara’s statement that the incident is “worrying” is a gross understatement. Mysuru is not a remote or obscure town; it is a prominent educational and tourism hub, home to prestigious institutions such as the University of Mysore and numerous private colleges, attracting thousands of students from across the country and abroad. The presence of a narcotics manufacturing unit in such a city raises grave questions about the reach of organised crime and the failure of local policing.</p>.<p class="bodytext">MDMA (3,4- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), commonly called ecstasy, is a synthetic drug known for its stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. Long-term abuse can lead to severe brain damage, memory loss, and psychiatric disorders, making it a direct threat to the youth. The seizure of 11 kg of the drug and raw materials, reportedly enough to manufacture over 50 kg, indicates a well-established supply chain, not some small-time street-level peddling. This was a full-fledged production and supply chain, reaching across state borders, exploiting vulnerabilities. The fact that it functioned for weeks, possibly longer, without detection reflects poorly on both the intelligence network of Mysuru Police and the state intelligence department. Mysuru is a compact city with a strong community network; it is inconceivable that such a high-volume business could run without negligence or, worse, complicity. The suspension of the Narasimharaja police inspector, in whose jurisdiction the unit was operating, is a token gesture and far from adequate. The city’s police commissioner and the DCP concerned should also be held accountable for this serious lapse.</p>.MDMA production in Mysuru: Narcotics network changed places every two months.<p class="bodytext">While the state has taken commendable steps, such as launching the ‘Drug-Free Karnataka’ app, such tools are meaningless without rigorous enforcement. The state must move beyond knee-jerk reactions and implement stringent monitoring, inter-agency coordination, and community awareness programmes. Like police officers, elected representatives, and citizens, too, must remain vigilant to detect such illegal activities so that timely action can be taken. If criminal enterprises flourish unchecked, it signals societal apathy. A city celebrated for its heritage, arts, and education cannot be allowed to house drug hubs. Turning a blind eye now will only allow the rot to deepen.</p>
