Mysore/Mysuru: A young man caught consuming narcotics in a public park has claimed that the substance was given to him by a foreign national.

The incident occurred around 7 pm on Wednesday, when Lakshmipuram Police personnel Raju Malagi and Basavaraj Muniyal were on patrol near Ballal Circle, close to Ananthaswamy Park in Krishnamurthypuram.

The officers noticed the youth in an intoxicated state and approached him. Upon questioning, he admitted to having consumed a drug-laced cigarette, allegedly handed to him by a foreigner near Chamundi Hill earlier that evening. He identified himself as Krishna, a tender coconut vendor.

The ongoing Police operations notwithstanding, drug users continue to indulge in their addiction across various Police station limits. Cases are being registered against dozens of individuals daily. Yet, the ease with which narcotics are being accessed — whether in parks, alleys or open grounds — raises serious concerns.

Authorities are now grappling with a troubling question: How are addicts still gaining such easy access to drugs despite intensified enforcement?