Udupi: Home Minister Araga Jnanedra said a stringent legal action will be taken against drug peddlers and those who consume drugs.

The home minister, interacting with reporters on Friday, praised the Mangaluru police for taking stringent action against the drug mafia.

He added that drugs-free Karnataka is the government’s top priority.

The home minister expressed apprehensions over the involvement of medical students and professors in peddling drugs.

“The Mangaluru police’s action will send a strong message to public,” he said and added that more people involved in drugs racket will be arrested. Araga claimed that he was unaware about Santro Ravi and would not be able to identify him.

‘’Many have taken photographs with me. ‘It will seem arrogant to turn down people’s requests on taking pictures, he said. He said the government should not allow creation of new arecanut farms.

Presently, over one crore areca saplings are being sold and more number of people are coming forward to raise arecanut plantations. In Andhra Pradesh, the arecanut, in over 2,000 acres of farmland, is ready for harvest, he added with apprehension.

Araga said that ED raids on former minister Kimmne Ratnakar was based on statements made by Shareek.

The Congress office was located at Shareek’s building. “Kimmane is attempting to defame Theerthahalli culture through his cheap politics,’’ he said. He added Siddaramaiah, though a former chief minister, lacks in confidence.