Major Drug Bust in Haveri: Childhood Friends Arrested for Inter-State Ganja Smuggling
In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, Haveri Town police have apprehended two childhood friends allegedly involved in a sophisticated inter-state drug smuggling operation. The authorities successfully seized over 10 kilograms of ganja, dealing a substantial blow to local drug distribution networks.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
Superintendent of Police Yashoda Vantagodi addressed reporters, revealing that the police confiscated 10.7 kilograms of ganja from the accused individuals. The arrested men have been identified as Dilleppa Mallappa Alalagi, a 28-year-old shepherd, and Rajasab Babusab Nadaf, a 27-year-old civil engineer employed with a private company. Both suspects are residents of Nagendranamatti in Haveri district.
"A formal complaint was registered at the town police station, and a comprehensive investigation is currently underway," stated SP Vantagodi during the press conference. She elaborated that the accused allegedly transported the ganja from Odisha to Haveri via train, passing through Bengaluru. To conceal the illicit cargo, they meticulously sealed the bags with tiscotape to prevent the distinctive odor from spreading.
Operation and Police Action
Acting on credible intelligence, the Haveri Town police conducted a targeted raid, resulting in the seizure of ganja valued at approximately Rs 5.3 lakh. Additionally, law enforcement recovered two bags used for transportation and cash amounting to Rs 360 from the suspects. The police disclosed that the duo was preparing to sell the contraband in Sai Layout, located near Hosakerimath Temple in Nagendranamatti.
The operation saw the presence of senior police officials, including Deputy Superintendent of Police Girimalla Talakatti, Town Police Inspector Motilal Pawar, and DSB Inspector Santosh Pawar. The raid was executed by a team comprising Sub-Inspectors BG Doddamani, MG Vaggannavar, NN Shishuvinahal, along with other dedicated personnel.
District-Wide Drug Statistics
SP Yashoda Vantagodi provided crucial insights into the broader drug scenario within Haveri district, highlighting a concerning trend in narcotics-related activities:
- 2025 Data: Police registered 10 drug seizure cases, arresting 29 individuals and confiscating 40.2kg of ganja worth Rs 11.3 lakh. Furthermore, 9 ganja consumption cases were filed, leading to the arrest of 15 accused.
- 2026 Data (Year-to-Date): Authorities have already registered 5 seizure cases, apprehending 14 accused and seizing 22.8kg of ganja valued at Rs 10.5 lakh. Additionally, 13 ganja consumption cases have been documented, resulting in the arrest of 18 individuals.
This latest bust underscores the ongoing efforts by Haveri police to combat drug trafficking and consumption, reflecting a determined stance against narcotics proliferation in the region. The inter-state smuggling route from Odisha via Bengaluru highlights the complex networks that law enforcement must dismantle to ensure community safety.
