In a significant crackdown on narcotics trade, the Mangaluru City Police have arrested two individuals and seized a substantial quantity of illegal drugs following a targeted raid near the Phalguni River. The operation was launched based on specific intelligence about drug peddling activities in the Bangrakuluru area.
Police Raid Nets Drugs and Arrests
Acting on credible information received on Tuesday, a specialized police team swung into action. The team, operating under the jurisdiction of the Kavoor police station, was led by ACP North Sub-Division Srikanth K, with Inspector Raghavendra Byndoor and PSI Mallikarjun playing key roles. City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH confirmed the details of the operation, which was aimed at curbing the illegal sale of ganja in the vicinity of the river.
The raid proved successful, leading to the apprehension of two suspects. The arrested individuals have been identified as Shafi Ahmed (40) and Mohammad Sameer (20), both hailing from Tumakuru. From their possession, the police confiscated a significant haul of narcotics.
Substantial Drug Haul Recovered
The seized contraband included approximately 12 grams of MDMA, with an estimated street value of Rs 70,000, and about 275 grams of ganja, valued at around Rs 10,000. The total seizure is worth approximately Rs 80,000. Additionally, the police took two mobile phones into custody as part of the evidence.
Following the arrests, a formal case was registered at the Kavoor police station. The charges have been framed under the stringent Sections 8(C), 21(C), and 20(B) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Criminal History and Source of Drugs Revealed
During preliminary interrogation, the accused reportedly disclosed to the police that they had procured both the ganja and MDMA from African nationals in Bengaluru. This revelation points to an inter-city drug supply chain.
Further investigation into the backgrounds of the accused uncovered serious prior criminal involvements. Shafi Ahmed was found to have a staggering nine criminal cases registered against him. One case is in Ullal, while the remaining eight are in Tumakuru. He had been absconding after failing to appear before the court in several of these cases, leading courts to issue warrants and proclamations against him.
The other accused, Mohammad Sameer This raid underscores the Mangaluru City Police's continued vigilance against drug trafficking in the region. The seizure of synthetic drugs like MDMA, alongside traditional ganja, highlights the evolving nature of the narcotics trade that law enforcement agencies are combating.
