In a significant pre-New Year crackdown, the Surathkal police in Mangaluru have thwarted a major drug peddling attempt, arresting two individuals and confiscating a large consignment of cannabis. The operation, based on specific intelligence, led to the recovery of over 21.4 kilograms of ganja with an estimated street value of ₹10.7 lakh.
The Raid and Seizure Details
Acting swiftly on a credible tip-off, a police team from the Surathkal station conducted a raid near a house named 'Benaka' in the Chokkabettu area on Saturday. The search led them to a car where the narcotics were stored. The police team, operating under the guidance of City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, successfully apprehended the two accused at the scene.
The individuals taken into custody have been identified as Pradeep Poojary (32), a resident of Ulaibettu, and Vasanth (42), from Chitrapura. Apart from the massive quantity of ganja, the police also seized several other items from their possession:
- Three mobile phones worth approximately ₹7,000.
- The car, valued at ₹3 lakh, used for transporting the drugs.
- Three luggage bags worth ₹3,000.
- Two strips allegedly used for consuming ganja.
- Cash amounting to ₹1,000.
Confession and Criminal Background
During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to the police that they had procured the ganja from Odisha on December 29. Their plan was to sell the contraband in Mangaluru city to capitalize on the demand during the New Year celebrations. However, their scheme failed due to heavy police deployment across the city for festive security, forcing them to store the drugs in the vehicle.
Commissioner Reddy revealed that one of the accused, Pradeep Poojary, has a substantial criminal history. Multiple cases are registered against him at various police stations in the region, including charges related to theft, attempt to murder, rioting, violations under the NDPS Act, and offences under the Arms Act. These cases span jurisdictions including Bajpe, Barke, Belthangady, Dharmasthala, Mulki, Surathkal, and Mangaluru North police stations.
Legal Action and Investigation
The Surathkal police have registered a formal case against the accused under the stringent Sections 8(c) and 20(b)(ii)(C) of the NDPS Act, 1985. The investigation is ongoing to uncover possible links to wider drug networks. The successful operation was carried out under the supervision of ACP North Sub-Division Srikant K, with the active involvement of Surathkal Police Inspector Pramod Kumar, PSI Raghu Naik, and other team members.
This seizure underscores the continued vigilance of the Mangaluru police against the narcotics trade, especially during festive seasons when demand typically surges. The authorities have sent a strong message about their zero-tolerance policy towards drug peddling in the coastal city.
