The growing issue of cannabis addiction among college-going youth in Gokak City has sparked serious concern. Reports indicate that the cannabis trade is flourishing, with allegations of storage and sale taking place within residential homes.
The menace is escalating daily, posing a threat to societal well-being. The number of addicts in the city is steadily climbing, and efforts to curb the transport and sale of cannabis appear insufficient. Allegations point to cannabis being stored and sold in areas such as Avati Galli, Vaddara Galli, Momina Galli, and Mastansaba Dargah.
Bikers have been spotted distributing marijuana near the old APMC warehouses, flouting legal restrictions. Even in forested areas, where carrying lighter fluid is prohibited, cannabis consumption persists unabated. The inaction of relevant authorities in addressing this issue has led to growing public distrust.
Packets and Pricing
Marijuana is reportedly being sold openly in 25-gram and 50-gram packets, priced between Rs. 100 and Rs. 200. These sales are rampant near colleges and markets, with new addicts being charged double the rate compared to older users. Alarmingly, school and college students are increasingly falling prey to this harmful habit.
Connections to Belgaum
Reports suggest a well-established network connecting Gokak’s drug dealers to Belgaum. Local peddlers allegedly use Swift cars and Burgman bikes to transport marijuana, with police reportedly aware of these activities but failing to take effective action.
Consumption Hotspots
Addicts have carved out specific locations for marijuana use, including Chowdeshwari Hill forest, Yogkhova Road, the APMC warehouse premises, Valmiki Stadium, and areas near the Government Higher Primary School, cemetery in Kumbara Galli, and the pump house by Siddheshwar Temple.
Vandalism by Intoxicated Individuals
Last Wednesday night, intoxicated individuals reportedly threw stones at parked vehicles near Bhagat Singh Circle before fleeing the scene. Nearby bushes behind wooden fences serve as a refuge for addicts, who linger there under the cover of high mast lighting. Locals claim these individuals engage in inappropriate activities before disappearing.
“It has come to my attention that drugs are being sold near schools and colleges in Gokak city. The police officers should immediately take appropriate action and arrest the culprits.” – Ramesh Jarkiholi, MLA Gokak
“If the public calls the police department or informs me personally about the sale of narcotics such as marijuana, immediate action will be taken.” – D.H.Mulla, DySP Gokak
