Foreign national arrested for transporting cocaine worth Rs 1.20 cr from Mumbai to Bengaluru
Bengaluru (PTI): A foreign woman has been arrested for allegedly transporting 121 grams of cocaine, valued at Rs 1.20 crore, from Mumbai to Bengaluru by concealing it in bread covers while travelling in a private bus, police said on Tuesday.
Along with the contraband, a mobile phone allegedly used in the offence was also seized from her, they said.
Police, however, did not disclose the identity of the accused woman.
Acting on a tip-off that a foreign woman residing within the limits of Varthur police station was supplying cocaine to known persons, the CCB Narcotics Control Wing conducted the raid recently and secured the accused, a senior police officer said.
According to police, the woman had come to Delhi in 2024 on a student visa, claiming to pursue studies at a university. However, without enrolling in any college, she stayed in areas such as Ghatkopar, Ambawadi and Nallasopara in Mumbai.
She allegedly procured cocaine from a friend in Mumbai and, as per his instructions, transported and supplied the drug to designated locations, thereby engaging in drug peddling and earning illegal money, police said.
Preliminary investigation revealed that she frequently travelled from Mumbai to Bengaluru in private buses and transported cocaine by concealing it in covers of bread and similar products to evade detection, the officer said.
A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Varthur police station. The accused is presently in judicial custody, police added.
In another incident, police arrested two persons from another state for allegedly selling prohibited narcotic drugs in Bengaluru.
With their arrest, police claimed to have seized 247 grams of hydro ganja and 19 grams of MDMA, together valued at Rs 26.90 lakh.
The arrests were made on December 21 after Jalahalli police station staff received information that some persons were in possession of prohibited narcotic drugs and were selling them to customers near Kalingarao Circle, within the limits of the police station.
Following a raid, the accused duo were secured and, during interrogation, allegedly confessed that with the intention of earning more money, they had purchased hydro ganja and MDMA at a low price from an unknown person and sold them to customers at a higher price, the officer said.
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Karnataka gram panchayats achieve record 89 pc tax collection in 2025-26: Minister
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has achieved a significant milestone in grassroots governance, with 5,943 gram panchayats across the state recording higher tax collection and revenue realisation in 2025-26 compared to the previous financial year, Minister Priyank Kharge said on Thursday.
The Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj reported total tax collections of Rs 1,382.57 crore in 2025-26, marking an increase of Rs 110.04 crore over Rs 1,272.54 crore collected in 2024-25, the minister’s office said in a statement.
This represents a record 89 per cent realisation of the current demand, the highest in recent years, it added.
The Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj said, “Our focus over the past few years has been on improving systems, ensuring accountability, and empowering local bodies to enhance their own revenue capabilities.”
“It is encouraging to see that every rupee collected is being reinvested into village infrastructure, public services, and local development. This is laying a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable rural growth,” he added.
Karnataka had previously secured the top position at the national level in tax collection and revenue mobilisation, and the continued upward trend highlights the impact of efficient administration, strict enforcement of regulations, and strengthened tax collection mechanisms.
In 2024-25, gram panchayats had, for the first time in the department’s history, collected Rs 1,272.54 crore, achieving 80 per cent of the current demand.
Building on this momentum, the state further improved performance in 2025–26, reaching a record 89 per cent collection efficiency, the statement said.
This achievement has been driven by extensive awareness campaigns, targeted tax collection drives, and the sustained efforts of officials at all levels—from gram panchayat bill collectors to senior administrators, the minister said, congratulating all staff and officers for their contribution.
Highlighting district-level performance, Priyank noted that Raichur district recorded an exceptional 129 per cent tax collection, while 11 districts across the state achieved over 100 per cent collection, demonstrating strong local-level execution and compliance.
Over the past three years, Karnataka has witnessed a steady upward trend in tax collection. The increased revenue is being channelled into public works, improved civic services, and local development initiatives, contributing to the overall progress of rural communities, he added.
