Mangaluru: The Central Crime Branch (CCB) police have arrested two men for allegedly selling the banned narcotic substance LSD in Mangaluru and seized 100 drug strips valued at approximately ₹3 lakh.
The arrests were made during an operation near Padil Railway Bridge on the afternoon of November 3, following information about the alleged sale of narcotic substances in the city. According to police, the accused had procured the LSD strips from Bengaluru and were selling them in Mangaluru, targeting members of the public and students. Latest English News,
Two accused identified
The arrested persons have been identified as Nihal Sampras Rodrigues (30), a resident of Alape-Padil, and Siddharth Shetty (35), a resident of Urwa Store in Mangaluru.
Acting on specific information about the alleged drug supply network, a CCB team conducted the operation near Padil Railway Bridge and apprehended the two men.
During the operation, police seized 100 LSD strips worth approximately ₹3 lakh and three mobile phones. The total value of the seized property has been estimated at ₹3.35 lakh.
Accused have previous cases
According to police information, a case relating to alleged narcotic drug sales had previously been registered against Nihal Rodrigues at Mangaluru North Police Station.
Siddharth Shetty reportedly has nine cases registered against him at Barke and Urwa police stations. These cases include allegations relating to assault, attempted murder and ganja sales.
The previous cases are part of the police background information and do not establish guilt in the present LSD seizure case.
Case registered at Kankanady Town Police Station
Following the seizure, a case was registered at Kankanady Town Police Station. The arrested men were taken into custody as part of the investigation into the alleged drug-selling operation.
Police suspect that several other individuals may be involved in the procurement, transportation and distribution network. Efforts are underway to identify and trace the other suspected persons.
CCB officers and personnel participated in the operation. The investigation is continuing to establish the source of the seized drugs and identify possible links in the alleged supply network.
Investigation into drug supply network continues
The seizure comes amid continued police action against the alleged supply of narcotic substances to young people and students in Mangaluru.
Investigators are examining the possible connections between the accused and other individuals involved in the alleged distribution network. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
The two men remain accused in the case, and the allegations will be subject to the legal process.