Mangaluru Police Conduct Major Drug Busts, Seize MDMA Worth Rs 1.9 Lakh
In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, Mangaluru police have executed two coordinated operations resulting in the seizure of MDMA valued at approximately Rs 1.9 lakh and the arrest of three individuals. The late-evening raids underscore heightened vigilance against drug peddling in the region.
First Operation: Kankanady Town Police Nab Youth with Rs 1.2 Lakh MDMA
On March 15, during routine night patrols, PSI Vinayaka Bhavikatti of the Kankanady Town police station received credible intelligence about a youth transporting MDMA on a scooter from Kannur towards Padil for sale. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, the police team intensified checks along National Highway-66.
At approximately 10:45 PM, officers noticed a scooter rider without a helmet and signaled him to stop. The individual identified himself as Vaibhav, a 21-year-old resident of Ashokanagar, Mangaluru. Upon further questioning, he confessed to carrying MDMA intended for sale.
During a thorough search, Vaibhav produced four plastic zip-lock packets containing MDMA from his right pant pocket. The total weight of the seized narcotics was 14.9 grams, with an estimated street value of Rs 1.2 lakh. Additionally, police confiscated an iPhone worth around Rs 20,000, five empty zip-lock covers, and the scooter used in the transportation.
Second Operation: Kavoor Police Arrest Duo with Rs 70,000 MDMA
In a separate incident on March 16, Kavoor police arrested two more individuals and seized MDMA worth Rs 70,000 during a routine patrol near Padushedde. PSI Mallikarjun Biradar, while on duty within station limits, observed Pratheek, 32, and Vikshit, 21, acting suspiciously near a car in a public area.
The duo was taken into custody and questioned, during which they admitted to waiting for customers to sell MDMA. From Pratheek, police recovered:
- MDMA weighing 2.2 grams in one packet, valued at Rs 30,000
- An iPhone worth approximately Rs 1 lakh
- 10 empty small zip-lock covers
- A car estimated at Rs 5 lakh
From Vikshit, authorities seized:
- MDMA weighing 4 grams in one packet, valued at Rs 40,000
- An iPhone worth around Rs 1 lakh
- A digital weighing scale valued at Rs 350
Total Seizures and Ongoing Investigations
The combined value of all items seized across both operations totals Rs 1.9 lakh, highlighting the scale of these drug busts. Police have registered cases under relevant narcotics laws and are conducting further investigations to uncover potential networks and suppliers involved in the trafficking.
These operations demonstrate the proactive measures taken by Mangaluru police to combat drug abuse and illegal sales in the city. Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to narcotics to help maintain community safety and curb the spread of such substances.
