Bantwal: A 30-year-old man was apprehended by the Bantwal Rural police for allegedly attempting to sell ganja at a deserted roadside location in Pakkalpade of Kodmanu village on February 19.
Acting on specific and credible information regarding the illegal possession and sale of a narcotic substance, PSI (Law & Order) Manjunath T, along with his team from Bantwal Rural police station, rushed to the identified spot and detained the suspect. The operation was carried out discreetly to prevent the accused from fleeing the scene.
The suspect was intercepted at a relatively isolated stretch of road in Pakkalpade, a locality under Kodmanu village limits. According to police sources, the area had reportedly been chosen to avoid public attention and to facilitate a quick transaction with prospective buyers.
Accused identified as local resident
During preliminary questioning, the accused identified himself as Prashanth alias Prasad, a resident of Meramajalu in Bantwal taluk. Police officials stated that he appeared to be waiting at the roadside when the team arrived and detained him based on prior intelligence inputs.
Following his detention, a search of his person and belongings was conducted in accordance with legal procedures. The search reportedly led to the recovery and seizure of 180 grams of ganja from his possession. The contraband was packed and kept ready for sale, police said.
Officials confirmed that the seized substance has been taken into custody as material evidence and will be sent for forensic examination as part of the investigation process.
Supplier named during interrogation
During further questioning, the accused allegedly disclosed that the ganja had been supplied to him by Abdul Razak, a resident of Pallamajalu in Bantwal. According to police sources, the accused claimed that he had been instructed to sell the narcotic substance to customers and remit the proceeds as directed.
Police have taken note of this statement and are verifying the details provided. Efforts are reportedly underway to trace the alleged supplier and ascertain the source of the contraband. Investigators are also examining whether the case is part of a larger distribution network operating in the region.
Case registered under NDPS Act
The Bantwal Rural police have registered a case in Crime No. 19/2026 under Sections 8(C) read with 20(b)(ii)(A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
Section 8(C) of the Act prohibits the production, possession, sale, purchase, transport, and use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances except for medical or scientific purposes and in the manner authorised by law. Section 20(b)(ii)(A) pertains to possession of a small quantity of cannabis and prescribes punishment in accordance with the quantity involved.
Police officials confirmed that the accused has been taken into custody and will be produced before the jurisdictional court. His two-wheeler, which was allegedly used for transporting the contraband, has also been seized as part of the investigation.
Ongoing investigation
Authorities stated that further investigation is in progress to determine the extent of the accused’s involvement and whether he had previously engaged in similar activities. The police are also probing possible links to other individuals who may be connected to the alleged supply and distribution of ganja in and around Bantwal.
Senior officers have reiterated their commitment to curbing the illegal drug trade in the region. They have appealed to the public to share credible information regarding narcotics-related activities to help law enforcement agencies act swiftly.
The seizure of 180 grams of ganja, though categorised as a small quantity under the NDPS Act, underscores ongoing concerns about the availability and circulation of narcotic substances in semi-urban and rural pockets. Police officials indicated that surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts would be intensified to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to verify the accused’s claims regarding the alleged supplier and explore any broader network behind the operation. Further legal action will follow based on the findings of the probe.