Unannounced police raids focus on rampant use of date rape drugs

Over the past few weeks, Bengaluru city commissioner Bhaskar Rao has literally kept his force on their toes as far as efforts to curb drug abuse go. Police officials have been conducting frequent raids and seizing narcotics from peddlers, while also keeping a tab on the usage in the city. While crackdowns on drugs are not new, the increased frequency is. Which begets the question — what gives?
So, we spoke to the man at the helm of it all, Commissioner Rao, who says that the availability and rampant use of date rape drugs in the city is one of the chief factors that spurred them into action. “A large chunk of Bengaluru’s female populace comprises young ladies who have come here to make a livelihood. Since the city has a bustling nightlife, everyone steps out. What they do not understand is the prevalence of predators everywhere. There have been several cases of drinks being laced with drugs, following which there have been sexual crimes that end up not being reported as the victims have no recollection of what transpired. This has to stop and that is why date rape drugs need to be monitored in Bengaluru,” he says.
The commissioner adds that this is why he always advises women to be aware of their surroundings, even when they are out for a night of fun. “If drinking, women should always insist that the drink is served directly to them — from the bar to their table. They must also never leave their drinks unattended. These are common oversights that can lead to drastic consequences,” he states.
His zero tolerance, says the commissioner, is paying off, with the city’s party scene seeing a dip in drug abuse. “There have been a lot of raids, during which we seized sizeable amounts of narcotics. As an aftermath, the price of drugs in the market has gone up drastically and party goers are literally facing the heat,” he says.
Helpline to report drug abuse
Additional Commissioner of Police, Crime, Sandeep Patil has also highlighted a dedicated helpline to report drug abuse in Bengaluru. He recently tweeted, "DEDICATED DRUGS HELPLINE OF BLORE CITY POLICE IS 1908.. PUBLIC ARE REQUESTED TO CALL ON ANY DRUGS INFORMATION. Join hands with Bengaluru Police in eradicating drugs menace."
Crackdown on illegal activities
The Bengaluru City Police’s City Crime Branch (CCB) has been acting on all illegal activities. Additional Commissioner of Police, Crime, Sandeep Patil, recently
tweeted, “CCB drive against illegal activities: in last one month, CCB conducted 29 raids across Blore against gambling, cricket betting, medical seat cheating, ponzi and fraud schemes/companies, illegal live bands/dance bars, acting against
rowdies, Drugs..PLZ JOIN HANDS IN CLEANING UP BENGALURU.”