Mangaluru: The Urva Police on Tuesday arrested two individuals for allegedly possessing and attempting to sell the narcotic drug MDMA. The accused, identified as Syed Kalimulla (31) of Ramanagara in Shivamogga district and Ashraf Ali (26) of Mangalpady in Manjeshwar, were intercepted near Barebail on National Highway 66 after they were spotted moving suspiciously in the area.
According to police officials, the duo’s behaviour prompted officers to question them, during which their responses raised further suspicion. Upon sustained interrogation, the two reportedly confessed that they had arrived in the locality for the purpose of selling MDMA, a synthetic stimulant classified as a banned substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Seizure of drugs and valuables
During the operation, the police seized 12.27 grams of MDMA worth ₹25,000 from Syed Kalimulla. Officers also confiscated his mobile phone valued at ₹7,000. From Ashraf Ali, the team recovered 6.18 grams of MDMA worth ₹12,500, along with a mobile phone. The total seizure highlights the continuing attempts by drug peddlers to push narcotics into the region despite ongoing police crackdowns.
Officials noted that the quantity, though small, is consistent with peddling patterns involving individual-level distribution, particularly targeting youth in urban pockets. The police added that the seized MDMA was intended for retail sale in Mangaluru.
Continued vigilance against drug networks
The arrests come amid heightened efforts by Mangaluru City Police to curb the inflow and circulation of synthetic drugs. Over recent months, the commissionerate has intensified surveillance in sensitive zones, bus stands, educational institution vicinities, and national highway stretches where peddlers are believed to move frequently.
Police sources stated that operations have been strengthened following multiple cases involving MDMA, ganja, and other synthetic substances. Teams have been specifically instructed to monitor individuals with prior records, movements along the outskirts, and suspicious activity near commercial hubs.
The Urva Police further emphasised that the area around NH-66 has increasingly become a transit point for narcotic movement due to easy inter-district accessibility. Regular patrols and intelligence-based operations are being carried out to intercept peddlers using the route.
Action under the NDPS Act
The accused have been booked under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, which prescribes stringent punishment for possession, sale, and trafficking of banned substances. Police said both individuals are being interrogated to identify their suppliers, buyers, and possible links to a larger peddling network.
Authorities indicated that the arrests may provide key leads into ongoing investigations regarding the distribution of synthetic drugs in the coastal region. Information extracted during interrogation is expected to help trace the source of the MDMA and uncover any organised chain operating across districts.
Appeal to public for cooperation
Police officials reiterated their appeal to the public to report suspicious activities, noting that community participation is essential to curbing drug circulation. They urged citizens, especially parents and educational institutions, to stay alert to behavioural changes in youth and to promptly inform police if they suspect drug involvement.
The Mangaluru City Police continues to run anti-narcotics awareness campaigns and enforcement drives to deter peddlers and prevent the spread of drug abuse. Authorities assured that such operations will be intensified further, particularly during the year-end season when peddlers increase supply attempts ahead of festive gatherings and tourist inflows.