Overview The Kozhikode city police have intensified their efforts to combat drug trafficking, focusing on dismantling the networks that target youngsters and school children. The anti-narcotics squads are employing field-level surveillance and intelligence gathering to apprehend repeat offenders. This initiative highlights the ongoing efforts to curb drug abuse and trafficking within the city. Key Developments Increased Surveillance: Plainclothes officers are deployed based on intelligence inputs and Call Detail Records (CDR) of previously arrested individuals. Successful Operations: The District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force (DANSAF) reported successful operations in the previous year, exposing inter-State drug traffickers. Asset Forfeiture: Properties illegally amassed by drug traffickers were seized, marking a significant milestone in enforcement actions. Statistical Highlights (2025) According to the District Crime Records Bureau (DCRB), the following key statistics were recorded in 2025 : Arrests: 2,094 drug traffickers arrested in 1,869 cases. Foreign Nationals: Six foreign nationals were among those arrested. Synthetic Drug Abuse: 1,528 persons were held for suspected synthetic drug abuse. MDMA Seizure: 3.93 kg of MDMA seized. Other Seizures: 135.44 kg of ganja, 80.77 grams of brown sugar, 1.33 kg of hashish oil, and a large quantity of LSD stamps and ecstasy tablets were seized. Legal Actions Under NDPS Act The police have also utilized stringent legal provisions to combat drug trafficking: PIT NDPS Act: Proposals were submitted for the preventive detention of 61 accused individuals. Preventive Detention Orders: Official orders were issued for 18 persons. Forfeiture Measures: Forfeiture of illegally amassed properties was recommended in the case of 14 frequent offenders under Section 68 F of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Comparison with Previous Year (2024) A comparison with the previous year reveals an increase in enforcement activities: 2024 Arrests: 1,991 arrests in 1,835 cases. Increased Vigilance: The rise in cases and arrests is attributed to heightened checking and surveillance measures. Recent Developments Recent Arrests: 11 drug traffickers were arrested in Kozhikode city within the ten days prior to January 10, 2026 . Recent Seizures: 917.4 grams of MDMA were seized, and eight cases, including two commercial quantity cases, were registered. UPSC Relevance This news is relevant for GS3 (Security) , specifically concerning internal security challenges and law enforcement. It also touches upon GS2 (Government Policies) related to drug control and rehabilitation. The data on drug seizures and arrests can be used to illustrate the scale of the drug problem in India. The legal aspects, such as the NDPS Act and PIT NDPS Act, are important for understanding the legal framework for combating drug trafficking. Potential Exam Questions Analyze the effectiveness of current anti-narcotics strategies in curbing drug trafficking in India. Discuss the role of preventive detention laws in controlling drug trafficking and their implications for civil liberties. Evaluate the social and economic impact of drug trafficking on Indian society and suggest measures to address this issue.