Udupi, Karnataka: In a major breakthrough against drug trafficking, Udupi police seized 65 kilograms of ganja and arrested two men during a special operation in Kadekaru village. Officials said the seized contraband is valued at nearly ₹50 lakh in the illegal market, making it one of the largest recent hauls in the district.
How the operation unfolded
According to the police, the operation was carried out near the Kinnimulki Welcome Arch in Kadekaru. Acting on a tip-off, a special team intercepted a goods vehicle and found the banned substance concealed inside. Two men, one from Mysuru district in Karnataka and the other from Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh, were arrested on the spot.
The police also seized the vehicle used to transport the contraband, two mobile phones, and cash amounting to ₹1,520. The truck itself, worth around ₹20 lakh, has been taken into custody, bringing the total value of the seizure to over ₹72 lakh.
Investigation and charges
The case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Officials said that the arrests point to a wider inter-state drug supply network, given that the accused hail from two different states. The police are now working to trace the origin and intended distribution of the consignment, which they suspect was part of a larger racket.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Harsha Priyamvada led the operation under the direction of Deputy SP D.T. Prabhu. Multiple teams, including officers from traffic and crime branches, were deployed to ensure the success of the raid.
A growing concern
This latest seizure comes amid a series of anti-narcotics operations across Karnataka. Officials have acknowledged that Udupi and surrounding districts are being targeted by drug traffickers due to the steady demand in coastal areas and educational hubs. Police say that cracking down on these supply chains is crucial to prevent large quantities of narcotics from reaching urban centres.
Conclusion
With two suspects in custody and a major quantity of contraband off the streets, Udupi police have scored a significant success against drug trafficking. Authorities believe that further investigation could reveal a wider network, and they have assured that efforts will continue to curb the menace of narcotics in the region.