Mangaluru: The Kavoor police have arrested two individuals who were allegedly attempting to sell ganja and MDMA on the banks of the Phalguni river at Bangra Kuloor. The arrests, made during a police operation earlier this week, mark yet another crackdown on the illegal drug trade in the region. According to Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H, the two accused — Shafi Ahmed (40) and Mohammed Sameer (20), both residents of Tumakuru — were apprehended while in possession of narcotic substances and communication devices used for illegal trade.
Police seize narcotics and mobiles during the operation
During the operation, police seized 12 gram of MDMA valued at ₹70,000, along with 275 gram of ganja worth ₹10,000. Officers also confiscated two mobile phones believed to have been used by the accused to coordinate the sale. The contraband was recovered from their possession on the spot, and both were taken into custody without incident.
Investigating officers stated that the accused had travelled to Mangaluru with the intention of selling the drugs in small quantities. The police team, acting on credible intelligence, reached the riverbank area and conducted the raid before the accused could complete any transactions.
Drugs sourced from African national in Bengaluru
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the duo had procured both ganja and MDMA from an African national based in Bengaluru. Police officials said that tracking the larger supply chain is now a priority, as this arrest could provide crucial leads into interstate and international drug networks operating in Karnataka.
The identity of the African national is yet to be confirmed, and police teams are coordinating with their counterparts in Bengaluru to trace and apprehend the supplier. Authorities believe that the arrested individuals were part of a small but active distribution chain moving narcotics from Bengaluru to coastal Karnataka.
Multiple cases pending against the accused
Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H further confirmed that Shafi Ahmed, one of the arrested persons, has nine cases registered against him across Ullal and various police stations in Tumakuru. He had reportedly failed to appear before court in connection with earlier cases, leading to the issuance of a warrant and proclamation against him. His involvement in multiple offences, sources said, indicates a history of repeated criminal activity.
Meanwhile, his accomplice, Mohammed Sameer, has one previous case filed in Tumakuru. Police are now verifying whether the duo had any local support in Mangaluru and whether they had been operating in the city over an extended period.
NDPS case registered at Kavoor Police Station
A case has been registered at Kavoor Police Station under sections 8(C), 21(C), and 20(B) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The accused were produced before the court, and police are expected to seek their custody for further interrogation to identify suppliers, transporters, and potential buyers linked to the racket.
Officials emphasised that the arrest serves as a reminder of the increasing vigilance by Mangaluru police in controlling drug peddling activities along riverbanks, deserted locations, and semi-urban pockets often used by peddlers to avoid detection.
Crackdown on narcotics continues in coastal region
Over the past few years, Mangaluru has seen a rise in drug-related arrests due to heightened police surveillance and public awareness campaigns. The Commissioner reiterated that the department will continue its focused efforts to curb the trafficking of narcotic substances, especially synthetic drugs like MDMA, which have seen increased demand among certain user groups.
Police have urged the public to share information anonymously if they notice suspicious activity related to drug movement or sale. Authorities believe community cooperation plays a crucial role in identifying repeat offenders and preventing the spread of drug abuse among youth.
Conclusion
The arrest of Shafi Ahmed and Mohammed Sameer marks another significant step in Mangaluru’s ongoing campaign against drug trafficking. With investigations now turning toward uncovering the larger network behind the supply, police hope to dismantle the chain from Bengaluru to the coastal belt. The incident highlights the importance of continued vigilance and coordinated efforts in combating the growing menace of narcotics in the region.