Bantwal: Vittal police have arrested four persons for allegedly storing and selling illegal drugs from a rented house in the Bhagavant Kodi area of Netlu Mudnur village in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district.
The arrests were made following a raid conducted by police based on specific intelligence about drug distribution activities in the area. The operation led to the seizure of MDMA drugs valued at nearly ₹1.79 lakh along with other materials from the premises.
According to police sources, the main accused has been identified as Ashraf G (38), who was reportedly residing in a rented house in the locality and was allegedly using the premises to store and distribute the synthetic drug to customers.
Police raid based on tip-off
Acting on credible information, a team led by Ratnakumar M, Assistant Sub-Inspector (Investigation-1) of Vittal police station, conducted a raid at the suspected house in Bhagavant Kodi.
During the raid, police took four individuals into custody. Apart from Ashraf G, the others arrested were identified as Hafeez alias Appi, Afwan, and Ashraf N.A.
Investigators believe the group was involved in supplying the drug to users in the surrounding areas. The raid was part of ongoing efforts by local police to curb drug trafficking and consumption in the region.
MDMA worth ₹1.79 lakh seized
A detailed search of the rented house resulted in the recovery of 17.97 grams of MDMA, a synthetic narcotic substance commonly known as “ecstasy”. The seized quantity has been estimated to be worth approximately ₹1,79,700 in the illegal market.
In addition to the drugs, police also seized a knife and other related materials from the house during the operation.
All the seized items have been taken into custody as evidence.
Case registered under NDPS Act
Following the raid, Vittal police registered a case under Crime No. 61/2026.
The accused have been booked under Sections 8(C) and 22(C) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, which deal with the illegal possession and trafficking of narcotic substances.
They have also been charged under Section 27 of the Arms Act for possession of a weapon.
Police officials said the accused will be produced before the court as part of further legal proceedings.
Investigation continues
Police have launched further investigation to identify the supply chain behind the seized drugs and to determine whether a larger network is operating in the region.
Officials said they are examining possible links to other distributors and consumers in the district. Additional arrests may be made if further connections are established during the probe.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to intensifying action against drug trafficking and have urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to narcotics in their localities.