Vintage cars hit Bengaluru streets to fight drug menace

In a unique initiative to raise awareness about the growing menace of drug abuse and trafficking, the Bengaluru City Police, in collaboration with the Vintage Car Owners’ Association, is set to organise a Vintage Car and Bike Rally on Sunday, 7th December 2025. The rally aims to sensitise the public, particularly the youth, about the dangers of drug consumption and the threats posed by drug trafficking networks.

The event will be flagged off at 9:00 AM from the Grand Steps of Vidhana Soudha by Home Minister Dr. G Parmeshwara. Over 75 vintage cars and bikes are projected to participate this year, making it a unique and engaging way to raise awareness against drugs. The rally will traverse Ambedkar Veedi, Cubbon Road, MG Road, Brigade Road, Vittal Mallya Road, and Mysore Road, culminating at the Big Banyan Resort in Ramanagara District.

Officials explained that vintage cars were chosen to attract attention and generate public curiosity. “The charm and nostalgia of vintage vehicles naturally draw crowds, providing an engaging platform to deliver important messages about drug prevention,” said a police spokesperson. The eye-catching nature of the rally is expected to make the campaign more memorable and impactful for young people.

As part of the outreach programme, events will also be conducted at MG Road Metro Station, St Joseph’s College on Vittal Mallya Road, and R V Engineering College on Mysore Road. These initiatives will focus on educating the public about the ill-effects of drugs, preventive measures, and the critical role of community participation in curbing drug abuse and peddling. Citizens are urged to support this initiative and contribute to building a safe, healthy, and drug-free society.

In a separate law enforcement success, Bengaluru Police seized 1,143 kg of red sandalwood and three cars worth ₹1 crore and arrested one individual involved in an inter-state smuggling racket spanning Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The case traces back to 7th November when Hulimavu Police Station received a complaint regarding a car illegally parked near Gottigere Lake on Bannerghatta Main Road.

Acting on the tip-off, police raided the location and arrested the accused, recovering 95 kg of red sandalwood and a car. During questioning, the individual confessed to selling red sandalwood illegally. A case was registered under the Forest Act, and the accused was remanded to police custody for 20 days.

These initiatives underscore Bengaluru Police’s dual approach: creating community awareness against drugs through innovative methods like vintage car rallies, while actively cracking down on illegal trafficking activities.