Major Drug Bust in Mangaluru: Police Seize 22.3 kg Ganja Worth Over Rs 11 Lakh
In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Panambur police in Mangaluru arrested four persons and seized a substantial quantity of ganja during a targeted raid conducted on Saturday. The operation, which took place near the Jokatte Cross railway bridge, resulted in the confiscation of 22.3 kilograms of ganja with an estimated street value exceeding Rs 11 lakh.
Coordinated Police Action Based on Credible Intelligence
Acting on specific and reliable information indicating that ganja had been transported from another state for distribution in the region, law enforcement authorities swiftly mobilized. The Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of the North Subdivision, along with a dedicated team comprising the Panambur police PSI and supporting staff, executed a meticulously planned raid. This proactive measure led to the apprehension of the suspects at the scene.
City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy provided detailed information regarding the arrested individuals. The accused have been identified as Karan Baburam Jadhav, aged 27, hailing from Jalgaon district in Maharashtra; Sameer Sha, aged 19, from Dewas district in Madhya Pradesh; MH Mayyadi, aged 48, a resident of Hejamadi Kodi in Udupi district; and Ibrahim Khalil, aged 47, originally from Kudroli but currently living in Kavoor, Mangaluru.
Substantial Seizure of Contraband and Assets
During the operation, police officials recovered not only the large cache of ganja but also additional items linked to the illicit activities. The seized materials include:
- 22.3 kg of ganja, valued at approximately Rs 11.1 lakh.
- Six mobile phones, with an estimated worth of around Rs 18,000.
- Two scooters, used for transporting the drugs, valued at about Rs 1 lakh.
The total value of all confiscated items has been assessed at Rs 12.3 lakh, underscoring the scale of the operation.
Unraveling the Interstate Drug Trafficking Network
Interrogation of the arrested individuals revealed intricate details of a well-organized drug trafficking network spanning multiple states. According to police statements, Karan Jadhav and Sameer Shah were responsible for procuring the ganja from suppliers in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Specifically, they sourced the contraband from MH Mayyadi in Maharashtra and an individual named Shahrukh in Madhya Pradesh.
The drugs were then transported to coastal Karnataka, where they were allegedly delivered to MH Mayyadi of Udupi and Ibrahim Khalil of Mangaluru. These individuals subsequently distributed the ganja across various locations, including:
- Udupi
- Malpe
- Karkala
- Mulki
- Surathkal
- Panambur
- Other parts of Mangaluru city
Police investigations indicate that the accused had been previously involved in smuggling and peddling ganja in the Udupi and Mangaluru regions, suggesting a pattern of criminal activity.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigations
A formal case has been registered at the Panambur police station under the stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The charges have been filed under Sections 8(C) and 20(b)(ii)(C), which pertain to the production, manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transport, and use of narcotic substances.
This successful operation highlights the continued efforts of Mangaluru police to combat drug-related crimes and disrupt supply chains. Authorities have emphasized their commitment to intensifying vigilance and taking decisive action against such illegal networks to ensure public safety and curb the menace of drug abuse in the community.
