Udupi: Malpe police have arrested seven persons, including a woman, for allegedly storing and selling narcotic substances from a homestay in Tenkanidiyoor village near Malpe.
The arrests were made following a raid at Vishram Homestay in Thottam on Thursday after police received credible information about illegal drug-related activities being carried out from the premises.
The operation was conducted under the guidance of the Udupi Sub-Division Deputy Superintendent of Police and the Malpe Circle Inspector and was led by Police Sub-Inspectors Anil Kumar D. and Gangappa S. along with other police personnel.
Seven taken into custody
The arrested persons have been identified as FM Nazil (31), Mohammed Azaruddin (42), Mohammed Afnan (19), Vignesh (35), homestay owner Dhanvan Rikit (36), employee Basavaraj (36) and Geetanjali Jena (44).
According to the police, preliminary tests conducted on Nazil, Azaruddin, Afnan and Vignesh indicated that they had consumed narcotic substances.
All seven accused have been taken into custody and will be produced before a court for further legal proceedings.
Drugs and mobile phones seized
During the raid, police conducted a search of the premises in the presence of witnesses and recovered narcotic substances and other materials.
The seized items include 33.81 grams of ganja valued at approximately ₹3,000 and 9.73 grams of MDMA estimated to be worth around ₹20,000.
Police also seized five mobile phones and other materials believed to be linked to the illegal activities.
Investigators are examining the mobile phones and other evidence to ascertain whether the accused were involved in a wider drug distribution network.
Homestay allegedly operated despite notices
Police said that Vishram Homestay had allegedly continued to operate illegally despite receiving previous notices from both the Malpe police and the Tourism Department regarding unauthorised activities.
Authorities are also probing whether the establishment was being used regularly for illegal activities and if any other individuals are connected to the case.
The police are expected to question the accused further to determine the source of the narcotic substances and identify any possible links to drug suppliers operating in the region.
Investigation underway
A case has been registered at the Malpe Police Station under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Police said the investigation is continuing and additional arrests may be made if further evidence emerges during the probe.
The latest seizure once again highlights the growing concern over the misuse of homestays and rented accommodations for illegal activities, prompting authorities to intensify surveillance and enforcement measures across the coastal district.