Major Drug Interception in Mangaluru: Police Seize 80kg of Ganja
In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Konaje police in Mangaluru successfully intercepted a vehicle and apprehended two suspects involved in the illegal transportation of a substantial quantity of ganja. The operation, based on actionable intelligence, led to the seizure of drugs valued at approximately Rs 40 lakh, marking a critical blow to drug distribution networks targeting Mangaluru and Kerala.
Intelligence-Driven Operation Leads to Arrests
Acting on a precise tip-off received on February 5, Konaje Police Sub-Inspector Sharanappa Bhandari mobilized a team after learning that two individuals were smuggling ganja in a white car. The intelligence indicated that the vehicle had originated from Andhra Pradesh, traversing the Bengaluru–Hassan route before heading towards Uppinangady. It was then proceeding via the Melkar–Sajipa–Boliyaru route towards Mudipu and Kerala, with the intent to sell the contraband.
Promptly responding to this information, police personnel established barricades on the Melkar–Boliyar–Mudipu road in Mittakodi village, located within the Kurnadu gram panchayat limits of Ullal taluk. At around 10:20 AM, the suspect car approached the checkpoint. When officers signaled it to stop, the occupants exhibited signs of panic, exiting the vehicle in an attempt to flee. However, the police swiftly surrounded and detained them.
Details of the Seizure and Accused
The arrested individuals were identified as Mohammad Naushad and Ibrahim. During interrogation, they confessed to traveling to Berhampur, near the Odisha–Andhra Pradesh border, in the same car to purchase the ganja for Rs 2.4 lakh. From their possession, authorities confiscated a total of 80.1 kilograms of ganja, meticulously packed into 10 separate packets. The estimated street value of this haul is around Rs 40 lakh, underscoring the scale of the illegal operation.
In addition to the drugs, police seized the car used in the commission of the offence, valued at approximately Rs 3 lakh, along with three mobile phones. These items are expected to provide further evidence and insights into the broader drug trafficking network.
Impact and Ongoing Investigations
This bust highlights the proactive efforts of law enforcement in combating drug-related crimes in the region. The successful interception prevented a significant quantity of ganja from reaching markets in Mangaluru and Kerala, potentially curbing addiction and associated social issues. Authorities are continuing their investigations to uncover any accomplices or linked activities, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance towards narcotics trafficking.
The case serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to tackle such illicit activities, with police urging the public to report any suspicious behavior to aid in similar operations.
