Drugs worth Rs 12 cr seized in Hunsur farmhouse raid

Mysuru: In a major crackdown, the Mysuru district police have seized around 48 kgs of synthetic drugs worth Rs 12 crore from a farmhouse located between Ratnapuri and Dasanapura in Hunsur taluk of the district.Police arrested two persons in connection with the incident and search operations are on to detain others who fled the spot during the operation late on Friday evening.Acting on a tip-off, the Hunsur Rural police raided a makeshift camp situated near Dasanapura village, where large quantities of synthetic drugs were allegedly being processed and packed.During the raid, two accused were taken into custody—Mohammad Irfan, 30, a resident of Siddique Mohalla, Mysuru city, and Mohammad Irfan, 42, a resident of Rehmath Mohalla, Hunsur town and owner of the land where the shed was located.Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Mysuru SP Mallikarjun Baladandi said they have seized Rs 12 crore worth of drugs.Police recovered approximately 7.35 kg of Mephedrone and 41 kg of drug precursor chemicals, totalling 48 kg of narcotic substances. A case has been registered at the Hunsur Rural police station.Sources said the accused attempted to flee during the raid, prompting the police to chase them for nearly 10 km before apprehending them near Hunsur town. However, a few others managed to escape from the spot.Preliminary investigation suggests that at least six poeple were involved in the illegal operation, and efforts are under way to trace the absconding accused. Police are also probing a possible Mumbai link in the drug network.The case came to light after questioning a drug user, which led to crucial leads. Zero-tolerance approach against offenders: GovtCM Siddaramaiah and Mysuru district minister HC Mahadevappa have made it clear that the govt will adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards the drug mafia and ensure strict action against offenders.Speaking to reporters, the CM said govt is firmly committed to eradicating the drug menace. "We are fighting against the drug mafia. Our goal is to make Karnataka drug-free," Siddaramaiah said when asked about the Mysuru district police operation that has led to seizure of Rs 12 crore worth of drugs in Hunsur.Reiterating the govt's tough stance, Mahadevappa said that strong measures are being taken to curb the growing drug problem. "Police are working actively to protect the youths from drug mafia. The menace is spreading everywhere, and it is a matter of serious concern," he said.Emphasising the need for social responsibility, Mahadevappa said efforts are being made to guide youth towards positive values. "Youth must be brought back into the framework of social values. Govt is working in that direction," he noted.