In a significant escalation of their anti-narcotics drive, Vidyanagar police in Davanagere have apprehended four additional suspects, bringing the total number of arrests to eight in connection with a major drug seizure in the city.
Fresh Arrests Expand Drug Network Investigation
The newly arrested individuals have been identified as Anwar Bhasha, Paras, Krishnamurty, and Dhoni alias Manjunath. According to police authorities, these suspects were allegedly purchasing narcotics from the previously arrested gang members and were also found to be consumers of the drugs themselves. All four have been remanded to judicial custody as the probe deepens.
Initial Raid and Seizure Worth Lakhs
The case originated from a decisive police operation on December 22. Acting on intelligence, the Vidyanagar police raided a gang involved in drug peddling. The initial raid led to the arrest of four individuals: Vedamurthy SG (53), and three natives of Rajasthan—Ram Swaroop (33), Dholaram (36), and Dev Kishan (35).
During this operation, law enforcement officials confiscated a substantial quantity of narcotics. The seized contraband included 290 grams of drugs, such as MDMA and other synthetic substances, with an estimated street value running into lakhs of rupees.
Police Vow Continued Crackdown Ahead of New Year
Superintendent of Police Uma Prashanth confirmed the latest arrests and emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation. "They are placed in judicial custody, and the investigation is going on," stated the SP.
With New Year celebrations approaching, SP Prashanth issued a stern warning and a public appeal. The police operation against the drug menace in Davanagere will be intensified. The SP urgently requested citizens to cooperate with the authorities. "If the public notices any drug sales or consumption, they should immediately inform police," she urged, highlighting the role of community vigilance in combating the illicit trade.
The consecutive arrests signal a determined effort by the Davanagere police to dismantle local drug networks, aiming to ensure safer festivities and a drug-free environment for the city's residents.
