Udupi: The Malpe police have arrested a 19-year-old youth for allegedly possessing and selling the banned narcotic substance MDMA to college students and members of the public in the district. The accused, identified as Syed Mohammed Mehraj, was apprehended during a police operation in Kodavoor village, and narcotics and other materials worth Rs 1.52 lakh were seized from his possession.
Police conduct operation in Kodavoor
The accused has been identified as Syed Mohammed Mehraj (19), a resident of Swarna Residency near Akashvani in Brahmavar and a native of JM Cross Road, Muslim Mohalla, Shiroor.
The operation was carried out by a police team led by Udupi Sub-Divisional Police Officer Belliyappa K U and Malpe Police Inspector Ramachandra Nayak. Acting on specific information, the team conducted a raid at a public place in Kodavoor village under the Malpe police station limits and took the accused into custody.
During the operation, police recovered 1.03 grams of MDMA allegedly meant for sale and distribution.
Scooter and other materials seized
Apart from the narcotic substance, the police also seized a scooter allegedly used for transporting the contraband along with other materials connected to the case.
The total value of the seized property, including the scooter and the banned substance, has been estimated at Rs 1.52 lakh.
Police officials said the seizure is part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of narcotics among youngsters and educational institutions in the district.
Accused allegedly supplied drugs to students
According to the police, the accused was allegedly involved in supplying MDMA to college students and members of the public in several parts of the district, including Kaup, Brahmavar, Udupi and Manipal.
The alleged involvement of students in drug-related activities has once again raised concerns over the increasing availability of narcotic substances among young people and educational institutions.
Investigators are now examining whether the accused had links with a larger drug network and are trying to identify other persons who may have been involved in the procurement and distribution of the banned substance.
Case registered, accused remanded
A case has been registered against the accused at the Malpe police station under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Following his arrest, the accused was produced before the jurisdictional court, which remanded him to judicial custody.
Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the narcotics and determine whether additional arrests are likely in connection with the case.
Conclusion
The arrest of the 19-year-old and the seizure of MDMA underscore the continued efforts of the police to tackle drug trafficking in the coastal district. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to taking stringent action against those involved in supplying narcotic substances, particularly to students and young people.