Udupi: In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, Udupi City police have arrested a 26-year-old man for allegedly transporting and attempting to sell the banned psychotropic substance MDMA. Drugs and other property valued at ₹3.23 lakh were seized during the operation carried out on January 7, 2026, police officials said.
The arrest was made following a targeted operation conducted under the guidance of Udupi Sub-Divisional Police Officer Prabhu D. T. The team was led by Udupi City Police Station in-charge Inspector Mahesh Prasad and was executed near Karamballi Ramabettu, a public place in Shivalli village on the outskirts of Udupi.
Autorickshaw intercepted during operation
According to police sources, the team received specific information about the movement of narcotics in the area. Acting on the tip-off, officers kept a close watch near Karamballi Ramabettu and intercepted a black-and-yellow autorickshaw that was suspected to be transporting contraband.
Upon inspection, the police detained the driver, later identified as Abdul Rauf (26), a resident near the Doddanagudde Mosque in Shivalli village. A thorough search of the vehicle and the accused led to the recovery of MDMA powder.
MDMA seized, accused taken into custody
Police said that 7.59 grams of MDMA powder was recovered from the possession of the accused. The seized narcotic substance is estimated to be worth around ₹15,000 in the illegal market.
In addition to the drugs, the police also seized ₹3,100 in cash, which is suspected to be proceeds from earlier drug sales. The autorickshaw used for transporting the contraband was also seized as part of the operation.
The total value of the seized drugs, cash and vehicle has been estimated at ₹3.23 lakh, officials confirmed.
Case registered under NDPS Act
A case has been registered at the Udupi City Police Station under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The accused has been arrested and taken into police custody for further questioning.
Police officials stated that the accused was allegedly attempting to sell the MDMA in and around Udupi city, targeting young customers. Investigators are now trying to ascertain the source of the drugs and whether the accused is part of a larger drug distribution network operating in the coastal region.
Investigation focuses on supply chain
Senior police officers said that further investigation is under way to identify suppliers and possible associates linked to the accused. Call detail records, financial transactions and other digital evidence are expected to be examined as part of the probe.
“We are investigating where the accused sourced the MDMA from and whether others are involved in distribution. Action will be taken against all those connected to the racket,” a police officer said.
Officials added that the use of autorickshaws and other local transport vehicles for moving small quantities of drugs has emerged as a concern, as it helps traffickers avoid suspicion.
Team involved in the operation
The successful operation was carried out by Police Sub-Inspectors Bharatesh Kankanawadi and Gopala Krishna Jogi, along with police personnel Harish Naik, Prasanna C., Nethravathi, Satish Palli, Hemanth Kumar, Santosh Rathod and Anand.
Police officials appreciated the team for their coordinated effort and timely action, which led to the seizure of narcotics before they could be sold.
Rising concern over drug abuse
The arrest comes amid growing concern over the availability and use of synthetic drugs such as MDMA among youth in coastal Karnataka. Police have intensified surveillance and enforcement drives in educational hubs and urban centres to curb drug trafficking and abuse.
Officials reiterated that possession, transport and sale of MDMA is a serious offence under the NDPS Act and attracts stringent punishment, including long-term imprisonment.
Police appeal to public
Udupi police have appealed to the public to share information related to drug trafficking or suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods. Authorities said community cooperation is crucial in tackling the drug menace effectively.
“Timely information from the public can help prevent drugs from reaching young people and ruining lives,” a senior officer said.
Conclusion
The arrest of Abdul Rauf and the seizure of MDMA worth ₹3.23 lakh highlight the continued efforts of Udupi City police to crack down on drug-related offences. As investigations continue to trace the supply chain and possible links, police officials have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining law and order and protecting the youth from the dangers of narcotics.