Mangaluru: In a major anti-drug operation, city police arrested six interstate accused who were allegedly involved in transporting and selling banned narcotic substances targeting educational institutions and youth. Acting on specific information, officers from the Mangaluru South and North police stations carried out coordinated raids and dismantled a drug peddling network operating in the city.

Accused identified

The arrested individuals have been identified as Mohammed Sayyed Afridi (26), a native of Koteshwara in Udupi district currently residing in Pandeshwar; Maksud Nag (23) of Balmata; Ahmed Ali Arvan (22), originally from Koteshwara in Udupi district and presently living in Pandeshwar; Felix P. Joseph (20) of Kottayam in Kerala; Edal Roche (33) of Kankanady; and Aaron Vishal Lasrado (18) of Mallikatte in Kadri.

According to police sources, the accused were part of an organised drug supply network that operated across state borders. Investigators revealed that the group allegedly procured narcotic substances from Bengaluru and Mumbai and distributed them in the city.

Police said the accused were specifically targeting college students and women as part of their distribution network.

Narcotics and vehicles seized

During the operation, police seized a significant quantity of narcotic substances from the accused. The seized items included 53.87 grams of MDMA, around 163 grams of hydro-weed (ganja), and 1 kg 155 grams of ganja.

Apart from the drugs, police also confiscated two vehicles that were allegedly used for transportation and distribution. The vehicles include a luxury MG Hector car and a Maruti Swift car.

Officials said the vehicles were believed to have been used by the accused to move the narcotic substances within the city and deliver them to buyers.

Lodge raid leads to four arrests

As part of the investigation, officers from the Mangaluru South Police Station conducted a raid on March 4, 2026, at Classic Comfort Lodge located on Badria Road.

Police found that four of the accused had rented a room at the lodge and were allegedly selling drugs to college students and women who visited the location.

During the raid, officers apprehended the suspects and seized narcotic substances from their possession. The operation was carried out based on specific intelligence inputs regarding drug peddling activities in the area.

Two more arrested in separate operation

In another operation conducted on the same day, officers from the North Police Station arrested Edal Roche and Aaron Vishal Lasrado near Green Park Ground in Bunder.

Police said the two accused were allegedly selling narcotics from a Maruti Swift car parked near the ground. Acting on the information received, the police team intercepted the vehicle and arrested the suspects.

Further search of the vehicle led to the seizure of narcotic substances, which police believe were intended for distribution in the city.

Investigation continues

Police officials stated that the investigation is ongoing to identify other members involved in the drug network and to trace the supply chain through which the narcotics were being brought into the city.

Authorities are also examining possible links between the accused and larger interstate drug trafficking networks.

Officials reiterated that strict action will continue against individuals involved in drug peddling, particularly those targeting educational institutions and young people.

The police have urged the public to cooperate by providing information about drug-related activities so that further action can be taken to curb the spread of narcotics in the city.