Beltangady: An ambulance driver from Beltangady has been named as an accused in the multi-crore MDMA trafficking case that led to the seizure of narcotics worth Rs 5.50 crore in Bagalkot. The accused, identified as Jaleel Baba, is currently absconding, while the police have intensified efforts to trace and arrest him.
The Mangaluru City Crime Branch (CCB), which is investigating the case, has submitted a report before the Principal Sessions Court in Mangaluru stating that Jaleel Baba has been arrayed as an accused and that his arrest is still pending.
CCB names fifth accused in drug trafficking case
According to the CCB investigation, four other accused have already been booked in the case. They have been identified as Mohammed Altaf (28) of Indabettu village, Mohammed Mustafa (28) of Halepete in Ujire, Alfaz of Devanari in Indabettu village, and Annappa Swami alias Manu.
Among them, Annappa Swami alias Manu has been remanded to judicial custody, while legal proceedings have been initiated against the remaining accused.
The inclusion of Jaleel Baba as an accused came after investigators gathered fresh evidence during the interrogation of those arrested in the narcotics racket.
Probe began with MDMA seizure in Mangaluru
The investigation was triggered when the Mangaluru CCB raided a house near the Kulayigudde water tank and seized 15.17 grams of MDMA, valued at around Rs 1.50 lakh, from Annappa Swami alias Manu.
During questioning, Manu allegedly revealed details about a larger drug trafficking network that sourced MDMA from Delhi and transported it to southern India through Bengaluru.
Acting on these disclosures, investigators tracked the movement of the contraband and identified additional members of the network.
Rs 5.50 crore worth of MDMA seized in Bagalkot
Based on intelligence gathered during the investigation, the CCB conducted a raid on July 15 at Royal Inn Lodge near Hunagund on the National Highway in Bagalkot district.
The operation resulted in the arrest of three more accused and the seizure of 5.196 kg of MDMA, estimated to be worth Rs 5.50 crore in the illegal market.
Police also confiscated a car, travel bags and mobile phones allegedly used in the trafficking operation.
The seizure is among the major narcotics recoveries linked to an interstate drug supply network operating between Delhi, Karnataka and Kerala.
Ambulance allegedly used to transport narcotics
Investigators alleged that the accused transported the narcotic substance from Delhi by car before routing it through Bengaluru for further distribution.
According to the police, Bengaluru served as the central hub for supplying MDMA to Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and various parts of Kerala.
During interrogation, the arrested accused allegedly disclosed that Jaleel Baba used his ambulance to transport the drugs, believing that the vehicle would attract less scrutiny from law enforcement agencies during transit.
Police are investigating the extent of his alleged involvement and whether the ambulance had been used on multiple occasions for transporting narcotics.
Special team launches manhunt
Following the disclosures made by the arrested accused, Jaleel Baba has reportedly been absconding for the past six days.
Police said his mobile phone has been switched off, and he has not been responding to emergency ambulance calls.
A special police team, working under the guidance of the District Superintendent of Police and the Commissioner of Police, has launched a search operation to trace the absconding accused.
Officials said further arrests and additional legal action may follow depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Investigation continues
The Mangaluru CCB continues to probe the interstate drug trafficking network to identify all those involved in the procurement, transportation and distribution of MDMA.
Investigators are also examining the logistics used by the accused and gathering evidence to establish the full extent of the racket. Police have stated that efforts are under way to apprehend the absconding accused and bring the investigation to its logical conclusion.