Mangaluru: In a major crackdown on drug peddling, the City Crime Branch (CCB) arrested four individuals who were allegedly supplying narcotic substances across public places and targeting school and college students. The operation led to the seizure of 517.76 grams of MDMA, valued at around ₹50 lakh, police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH said on Sunday.
Acting on reliable information, a CCB team led by ACP Manoj Kumar Naik carried out a raid on Saturday near the Sundaram Shetty Convention Hall on the Mangaluru–Udupi National Highway, under the Mulki Police Station limits. The team intercepted a car in which the suspects were reportedly waiting to sell the narcotics.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Mohammed Shiyab alias Shiyab, a resident of Navunda village in Byndoor taluk of Kundapur; Mohammed Noushad alias Noushad from Naringana village in Ullal taluk; Imran alias Imba from Kasaba Bengre in Mangaluru; and Nissar Ahmed alias Nissar from Brahmarakootlu in Bantwal taluk.
Drugs sourced from Bengaluru
According to preliminary investigation, the accused had procured the MDMA from a Nigerian national in Bengaluru. Police believe the group had been supplying drugs in and around Mangaluru, targeting young consumers at public places, events, and educational hubs.
Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said the operation was part of intensified surveillance and enforcement measures taken by the police to curb the inflow of synthetic drugs into Dakshina Kannada district. He added that efforts are underway to trace the supplier and unravel the broader network behind the illegal trade.
Seizure of vehicle and mobile phones
In addition to the MDMA, police seized a car worth around ₹10 lakh and five mobile phones suspected to contain crucial evidence related to the drug peddling network. Investigators are examining digital records, call details, and financial transactions to identify other associates involved in the supply chain.
Police officials said the arrests will significantly impact the distribution of synthetic drugs in the region, especially those aimed at vulnerable youth. They emphasised that strict action will continue against individuals attempting to circulate narcotics within city limits and neighbouring taluks.
Legal action
A case has been registered at the Mulki Police Station under Sections 22(C) and 21(C) of the NDPS Act, along with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act. The accused are currently in police custody, and further investigation is ongoing.
Police urged the public, especially parents and educational institutions, to remain alert and report suspicious activities to help curb the spread of drugs in the district. Authorities reiterated their commitment to ensuring a drug-free environment, particularly for students.