In a swift crackdown on drug peddling, Mangaluru Rural Police arrested a 35-year-old man, identified as Badruddin of Vamanjoor, for allegedly selling ganja from an auto-rickshaw near Mangala Jyothi Junction on Thursday.
Acting on a tip-off, police launched a targeted operation in the Mangala Jyothi Junction area, falling under the Mangaluru Rural Police Station limits. The suspect was apprehended while operating directly from his vehicle, turning the auto-rickshaw into a mobile point of sale for the contraband.
During the arrest, officers seized 2 kg of ganja, ₹20,000 in cash believed to be proceeds from drug sales, a mobile phone, and the auto-rickshaw used for the illegal trade. The seized narcotics are now being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
The operation was spearheaded by Mangaluru Rural Police Inspector Gaviraju R.P. and Sub-Inspector Arun Kumar D., with support from head constables Kamalaksha, Shashidhar, Shankrappa, and constables Sikandar, Birendra, and Pradeep. Their coordinated effort ensured the arrest was executed without incident.
Authorities have intensified surveillance and operations against drug trafficking in the region, particularly targeting unconventional modes of distribution like mobile peddling from vehicles. Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to curb the spread of narcotics in Mangaluru and surrounding areas.
Badruddin is currently in custody, and further investigations are underway to trace his supply network and other possible accomplices.