The Central Crime Branch (CCB) police have arrested two alleged drug peddlers and seized 24.57 grams of MDMA, a synthetic narcotic substance, valued at around ₹2.4 lakh, from their possession in separate operations conducted this week

The accused have been identified as Abdul Salam (39), a resident of Adyar Kannur in Mangaluru, and Mohammed Nasir (28), from Boliyar in Ullal taluk. According to the police, both were actively involved in distributing MDMA to students and others in and around the city.

First arrest: Autorickshaw driver caught with MDMA

On November 4, the CCB sleuths arrested Abdul Salam, an autorickshaw driver, who was allegedly carrying MDMA in his vehicle for sale in the fishing harbour and Bunder area of Mangaluru.

During the raid, the police recovered MDMA worth ₹1.2 lakh, along with an autorickshaw, a mobile phone, a weighing machine, and other paraphernalia used in drug distribution.

A case was subsequently registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Mangaluru South police station.

Police sources said Salam had been operating as a small-time peddler for over a year, targeting youth frequenting coastal and harbour areas. “He used to pick up customers from crowded localities and deliver small quantities of MDMA during his rides,” an officer said.

Second arrest: Peddler nabbed in Ullal taluk

In a follow-up operation, on November 6, the CCB arrested Mohammed Nasir, who was allegedly selling drugs in the Boliyar area. Acting on a tip-off, police apprehended Nasir and seized MDMA worth ₹1.2 lakh, along with a motorcycle, a mobile phone, and a few other items.

A separate case under the NDPS Act was registered at the Konaje police station.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that both accused were working in coordination with an interstate network of peddlers. The police are now trying to identify and locate the suppliers and other individuals linked to the duo.

“Search operations are ongoing to trace the source of supply and any other persons connected with the distribution chain,” said a senior CCB officer.

Drug consumption case: Four arrested in Puttur

In a related incident, the Puttur Town Police arrested four individuals on the charge of consuming narcotic substances in Kabaka village of Puttur taluk on November 5.

The arrested were identified as Mubarak (21), Hitesh (21), Abdul Anas (21), and Umar Farooq (41). The police said the group was found behaving suspiciously in Kallandaka when a patrol team noticed them.

They were subjected to medical tests, which confirmed drug consumption. Following the test results, they were arrested under Section 27(B) of the NDPS Act, which pertains to the consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Officials said the accused are being interrogated to determine the source of the narcotics they consumed and whether they had any connection with the recently arrested peddlers.

Rising drug cases in coastal Karnataka

Police officials have noted an alarming rise in cases involving MDMA and synthetic drug distribution in coastal Karnataka, particularly in Mangaluru, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada districts.

Law enforcement agencies have stepped up surveillance in colleges, beaches, and tourist zones after noticing that students and young professionals are increasingly being targeted by small-time dealers.

In recent months, the CCB and the Anti-Narcotics Cell have conducted multiple raids, seizing significant quantities of banned substances and arresting both local and interstate traffickers.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police. “Community cooperation plays a crucial role in preventing drug abuse and protecting our youth from falling into addiction,” an officer said.

Conclusion

The twin arrests and the subsequent detentions in Puttur underscore the police department’s continued efforts to crack down on narcotic networks operating in coastal Karnataka. While the investigation is still underway, officials hope the latest operations will help uncover larger networks supplying synthetic drugs to the region.