Mangaluru: In a major crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Puttur Rural police intercepted two vehicles and seized a large quantity of ganja worth approximately ₹53 lakh during a late-evening operation at Sajankadi in Paduvannur village of Puttur taluk. The operation was carried out on Monday based on credible information received by the police regarding the transportation of ganja in a car and a goods vehicle.

According to police sources, the interception was led by the police sub-inspector of Puttur Rural police station along with his staff. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, the team set up vehicle checks at Sajankadi, a location identified as a possible transit point for the illegal movement of narcotics.

Suspicious car leads to initial recovery

During the inspection, police stopped a car and questioned its driver, who identified himself as Rafiq P, 37, a resident of Charmadi village in Belthangady taluk. Officers reportedly noticed suspicious behaviour during questioning, prompting them to conduct a detailed search of the vehicle.

Upon inspection, the police found a plastic cover containing a bundle weighing about 100 grams. The contents included leaves, flowers and buds resembling ganja. The recovery raised further suspicion about a larger network involved in the transportation of narcotics.

Rafiq was immediately detained for questioning as part of the ongoing operation, police said.

Goods vehicle yields massive ganja haul

Shortly after intercepting the car, the police team stopped a goods vehicle at the same location. The driver was identified as Abdul Sadiq, 37, also a resident of Charmadi village in Belthangady taluk. A thorough inspection of the goods vehicle led to a major breakthrough in the case.

Police recovered as many as 73 bundles of ganja concealed in the vehicle. The total weight of the seized contraband was estimated at approximately 106 kilograms. Based on prevailing market rates, the value of the ganja has been assessed at around ₹53 lakh.

The large quantity of the seizure indicates that the operation was part of an organised and well-planned trafficking attempt, officials said.

Intended distribution across regions

During preliminary interrogation, both accused reportedly confessed that the ganja was being transported for sale in multiple locations. Police sources said the accused revealed that the consignment was intended to be distributed in Kerala, Mangaluru city and various parts of Dakshina Kannada district.

Investigators believe that the seized ganja may be part of a wider supply chain catering to multiple markets across state borders. Police are now probing the source of the narcotics and attempting to identify other individuals linked to the network.

Vehicles and mobile phones seized

As part of the operation, the police seized both vehicles used for transporting the ganja. In addition, two mobile phones found in the possession of the accused were also confiscated, as they are suspected to contain crucial information related to the procurement, transportation and intended sale of the contraband.

“The seized mobile phones are being analysed to trace contacts and communication linked to the drug network,” a police officer said, adding that further arrests cannot be ruled out.

Case registered under NDPS Act

Following the seizure, both accused were taken into custody for further legal action. A case has been registered at the Puttur Rural police station under Sections 8(c) and 20(b)(ii)(C) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Section 8(c) of the NDPS Act deals with the prohibition of production, possession, sale, purchase, transport and use of narcotic drugs, while Section 20(b)(ii)(C) pertains to offences involving commercial quantities of cannabis, which carry stringent penalties, including long-term imprisonment.

Police commend team effort

The successful operation was carried out by a team led by Puttur Rural police sub-inspector Gunapala J. Senior police officials have reportedly appreciated the timely action and coordinated effort of the team, which led to the interception and seizure before the consignment could reach its destination.

Police officials said such operations would be intensified in the coming days, especially in border and rural areas that are often used as transit routes for narcotics trafficking.

Conclusion

The seizure of over 106 kg of ganja worth ₹53 lakh marks one of the significant narcotics busts in the Puttur region in recent times. The operation highlights the continued vigilance of the police in curbing drug trafficking in Dakshina Kannada district. As investigations continue, authorities are hopeful of uncovering the larger network behind the smuggling attempt and preventing further circulation of illegal drugs in the region.