Karnataka CM Warns of Complete Ban on Pan Masala and Gutka Over Drug Concerns
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has issued a strong warning against the sale of pan masala, gutka and similar chewing products allegedly mixed with banned intoxicating substances, saying the state government is prepared to impose a complete ban if such practices continue.
Addressing the 31st Foundation Day celebrations of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) and the Drug-Free India Conclave at Bengaluru's Kanteerava Stadium, the Chief Minister said reports suggesting that narcotic substances are being added to products such as pan masala, gutka and areca nut to create a drug-like effect were a matter of serious concern.
"It has come to my notice that intoxicating substances are being mixed in pan masala, gutka, areca nut and other such products before being sold, engineered to give a drug-like 'high.' If this is indeed true and is not stopped immediately, the sale of all types of pan masala, gutka and chewing tobacco products will be banned in Karnataka," Shivakumar warned.
The Chief Minister said public health would always take priority over government revenue. He made it clear that the state was willing to forgo hundreds of crores collected through indirect taxes on such products if they were found to contain banned narcotic substances.
According to Shivakumar, the government will not allow products sold as food items to become a medium for drug consumption, adding that strict action would be taken against those responsible if the allegations are proven.
Speaking about the growing drug menace, the Chief Minister stressed that state-level enforcement alone cannot eliminate drug trafficking unless the country's borders are effectively secured. Explaining his point, he compared the situation to a continuously running tap filling a bucket.
"The drug menace in the country is like a tap and a bucket. As long as the tap at the border stays open, no matter what you do locally, the bucket fills up repeatedly," he said, adding that a truly drug-free India would require stronger border security along with coordinated action by all states.
Shivakumar highlighted that Karnataka had established a dedicated Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) in 2025 to crack down on drug trafficking networks, but said sustained national efforts were equally important to tackle the problem.
Calling upon students and healthcare professionals to play an active role in the anti-drug campaign, the Chief Minister said the fight against addiction is a shared responsibility.
"Building a drug-free Karnataka is our goal. We are organizing programmes for this purpose. I welcome the fact that all of you have come together today to hold this Drug-Free India gathering. You are all ambassadors of this cause. Preventing drug addiction is a major challenge, and let us all unite to ensure that the younger generation does not fall into the trap of this addiction. This is everyone's duty. You have chosen a profession of saving lives, and I congratulate you for it," he said.
During his address, Shivakumar also delivered a stern message to medical and paramedical students, cautioning them about the severe legal and professional consequences of drug-related offences.
"A drug conviction under the NDPS Act can mean arrest, a permanent criminal record, and the end of a medical or professional career before it begins. No license, no registration, no practice," he said, warning that years of hard work could be destroyed by a single mistake involving narcotic substances.
