Mangaluru: Police intensified their anti-narcotics operations with two significant actions, including the arrest of a 21-year-old youth for allegedly selling banned MDMA in Ullal taluk and the capture of an Odisha-based supplier linked to a major cannabis network uncovered earlier. The operations were carried out by Konaje police, the Mangaluru South sub-division Anti-Drug Team, and Puttur rural police as part of an ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking. Cases have been registered under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, and further investigation is under way.
Youth held with MDMA during targeted raid
Acting on specific intelligence inputs about illegal drug sales, police teams conducted a raid at the Navagrama site in the Naryaguttu Guddha area of Balepuni village and detained a suspect at the scene. The arrested accused has been identified as Jordan, son of Jeevan, aged 21.
During the search, officers seized 55 grams of MDMA from his possession. MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), commonly known as ecstasy, is a banned psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act and is categorised as a synthetic party drug with high abuse potential.
Police said the quantity recovered suggests it was meant for retail distribution rather than personal consumption.
Weighing machine and phone seized as evidence
Along with the MDMA, police recovered a mobile phone, a digital weighing machine and other materials suspected to have been used for measuring and packing the drug into smaller portions. These items have been seized and added to the case property.
Investigators believe the weighing machine indicates systematic repackaging for sale to multiple customers. The mobile phone will undergo forensic examination to extract call records, chat history and transaction trails to identify buyers, suppliers and possible associates.
The accused is originally from Mandya district and had been staying in a rented house in the area for some time. Police are verifying rental records and local contacts as part of the probe into how the distribution network functioned.
Case registered under NDPS Act
A formal case has been registered at Konaje police station under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act. The accused has been produced before the court, and police are expected to seek custody to question him further about the source of supply and distribution links.
Officials said the action was part of a focused drive targeting synthetic drug circulation among youth and students, with special teams monitoring suspected peddling points and rental properties.
Odisha supplier traced in cannabis network probe
In a separate but related anti-drug investigation, rural police arrested a 37-year-old Odisha resident, Deepak Patra, for allegedly supplying cannabis to peddlers operating in Dakshina Kannada district. Police seized 1.788 kg of cannabis from him, valued at around ₹80,000.
The arrest emerged from follow-up investigation into a large cannabis seizure made on January 19, when officers recovered over 100 kg of cannabis worth ₹53.03 lakh and detained two persons involved in transport and distribution.
Financial and logistics links uncovered
During the extended probe into that earlier seizure, police identified additional accused who allegedly supported the operation with funds and transport. Two persons — D.K. Mohammed Fayaz (27) and Nazir (42) — were arrested for allegedly arranging money and providing a vehicle used in the smuggling activity.
Evidence gathered during questioning and digital analysis pointed to an interstate supplier network, prompting police to expand the investigation beyond state borders.
Special team travelled to nab key accused
A special police team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Pramod Kumar travelled to Odisha to track the suspected supplier. Based on field verification and intelligence coordination, the team located and arrested Deepak Patra, who is believed to have supplied cannabis consignments to the district network.
He was brought back for legal proceedings and further interrogation. Police are now examining transport routes, payment channels and contact networks connected to the supply chain.
Continued enforcement and network disruption
Police said recent actions show a shift toward dismantling organised drug supply systems rather than limiting enforcement to street-level peddlers. Surveillance, technical analysis and interstate coordination are being strengthened to detect repeat routes and supplier hubs.
Officials have urged citizens to share credible information about drug-related activities, assuring confidentiality and protection for informants.
Conclusion
The twin cases highlight a coordinated enforcement push against both synthetic drugs and cannabis trafficking networks. With multiple arrests and seizures, investigators are now focusing on mapping full supply chains and preventing further spread through sustained intelligence-led action.