Mangaluru: In a continued crackdown on narcotics trafficking following similar enforcement drives in Bengaluru and Mysuru, city police arrested a man on Tuesday for allegedly selling ganja in the Ullal area. The arrest is part of intensified efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb the spread of illegal drugs and dismantle local distribution networks operating in and around urban centres.
According to the police, the arrest was made by a team from the Ullal police station after they received specific and credible information about the illegal sale of narcotic substances near the railway track in the Kalpana area. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, the police conducted a targeted search operation on December 29, which ultimately led to the apprehension of the suspect.
Search operation based on specific intelligence
The police said the operation was carefully planned based on intelligence inputs suggesting that a person was actively involved in selling ganja in the locality. The area near the railway track was placed under discreet surveillance before the search was conducted to ensure the suspect could be caught in possession of the contraband.
During the operation, the police team located and detained a man who matched the description provided by informants. Upon checking his belongings, officers allegedly found ganja and other incriminating items, leading to his immediate detention.
The suspect was taken into custody at the same location earlier in the day, police officials confirmed.
Accused identified as Uttar Pradesh native
The arrested individual has been identified as Raj Pal, a native of Juri Chandrapur village in Hardoi district of Uttar Pradesh. Preliminary investigation suggests that he had travelled from his home state and was residing locally while engaging in the illegal sale of narcotic substances.
Police officials stated that the accused had allegedly procured ganja from his home state and brought it to Karnataka with the intention of selling it to customers in the Ullal area for monetary gain. The modus operandi reportedly involved small-scale distribution to local users, which is often used by traffickers to avoid detection.
Seizure of ganja and other items
From the possession of the accused, police seized 425 grams of ganja, which is estimated to be worth around Rs 21,000 in the illicit market. In addition to the narcotic substance, officers also recovered Rs 650 in cash, believed to be proceeds from drug sales, a mobile phone, and other related items that may aid further investigation.
The seized materials have been taken into police custody and will be produced before the court as part of the case proceedings. Officials said the mobile phone is expected to provide crucial leads, including contact details and transaction records that could point to other individuals involved in the supply chain.
Case registered under NDPS Act
A case has been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, which deals with offences related to possession, sale, transport and trafficking of prohibited drugs.
Police officials noted that offences under the NDPS Act are treated seriously, with strict provisions aimed at deterring drug trafficking and consumption. Depending on the outcome of the investigation and the quantity involved, the accused could face stringent punishment under the law.
Part of a broader anti-drug अभियान
The arrest comes amid a broader crackdown on narcotics across Karnataka, with law enforcement agencies stepping up surveillance and enforcement following a rise in drug-related cases. Similar operations have recently been conducted in cities such as Bengaluru and Mysuru, targeting both street-level peddlers and larger trafficking networks.
Senior police officers have repeatedly stated that the focus is not only on arrests but also on identifying supply routes, financiers and inter-state links that enable the flow of narcotics into the state. Special emphasis is being placed on border checks, intelligence sharing and community-based information gathering.
Further investigation underway
Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact source of the seized ganja and to determine whether the accused has links to a wider drug network operating across states. Investigators are examining call records, travel history and financial transactions to identify possible associates.
Officials added that more arrests could follow if evidence points to the involvement of other individuals. The police have also urged the public to cooperate by sharing information related to drug trafficking and suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods.
In conclusion, the arrest underscores the renewed resolve of the police to tackle narcotics-related offences through sustained and intelligence-driven operations, with the aim of safeguarding public health and maintaining law and order.