A vigilant security check at the District Prison in Kodialbail, Mangaluru, successfully thwarted a brazen attempt to smuggle suspected narcotics to an undertrial inmate. The contraband, believed to be MDMA, was ingeniously concealed inside a common toiletry item, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by prison authorities.
The Routine Check That Uncovered a Smuggling Plot
The incident unfolded on December 1, around 12:45 pm, when a visitor named Ashiq, a resident of Ashoknagar, arrived at the prison. He came to meet Anvith, an undertrial inmate, carrying what appeared to be a standard parcel of food items. The parcel contained bakery products, 40 packets of biscuits, one packet of mixture, a packet of chakkuli, and a tube of Sensodyne toothpaste.
During the mandatory security screening, personnel from the Karnataka State Industrial Security Force (KSISF), Shashikumar Melinmane and Shekar DK, grew suspicious. Using handheld detectors and aided by their body-worn cameras, they identified anomalies within the toothpaste tube. Acting promptly, they alerted the shift in-charge, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Kiran Ambiga.
Inside the Toothpaste: A Crystalline Discovery
Upon reaching the spot, ASI Kiran Ambiga opened the toothpaste tube in the presence of other staff members. The inspection revealed a cleverly hidden stash. Inside, they found two pieces of plastic straws and one small plastic pouch. The pouch contained a white, crystalline powder, which prison authorities strongly suspect to be the party drug MDMA.
The immediate questioning of the visitor, Ashiq, shed light on a coordinated plan. He disclosed that the instructions for the smuggling attempt came from inside the prison itself. Sachin Talapady, another undertrial inmate housed in the same facility, had allegedly called Ashiq from a mobile number. Sachin directed him to collect the parcel, including the doctored toothpaste, from an unidentified person near a photocopy shop in front of the District Jail and deliver it to inmate Anvith during the visit.
Legal Repercussions and Ongoing Investigation
Following the discovery, prison authorities registered a formal case at the Barke police station. The incident underscores the critical importance of rigorous security protocols at correctional facilities. The use of advanced equipment like body-worn cameras and handheld detectors, combined with the alertness of the KSISF personnel, proved decisive in intercepting the narcotics.
This event raises serious concerns about the continued efforts to funnel illegal substances into prisons, often orchestrated by inmates from within. The Mangaluru District Prison administration has demonstrated a successful interception, but the case highlights the persistent need for unwavering vigilance to maintain order and safety within the prison system.
