Belthangady: Police in Belthangady have successfully arrested a man who had been absconding for a considerable period in connection with a case of illegal possession and distribution of ganja. The operation was carried out in Karkala on August 14.
The accused has been identified as Mohammad Rafiq, also known as Maddadka Rafiq (39), a resident of Kuvettu village in Belthangady taluk. Following his arrest, Rafiq was presented before the Belthangady court, which ordered his judicial custody.
The breakthrough was achieved by a police team headed by Belthangady station inspector Subbapur Math, who led the operation resulting in the long-pending arrest.
Investigations reveal that Rafiq is allegedly linked to several ganja-related offences. Multiple cases against him are registered across different police jurisdictions, including Belthangady, Venoor, and Banakal stations, along with CEN police stations in both Chikkamagaluru and Dakshina Kannada districts. He is also facing charges filed at Bantwal and Belthangady excise stations.
The police consider Rafiq a habitual offender, suspected of playing a key role in the regional ganja network. His arrest is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to curb the illegal drug trade in the coastal and Malnad belts.
Authorities have confirmed that further investigation is underway to identify his associates and trace the larger supply chain.