Manipal:
Police in Manipal arrested a 21-year-old youth from Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday for allegedly possessing and selling ganja to students and locals in the Udupi–Manipal region. The accused, identified as Seetharam Reddy Tauthareddy, was caught with over 1 kg of ganja concealed inside diaper packets at his rented house in Rajeev Nagar, Badagabettu.
Ganja found hidden inside diapers
According to officials, Police Sub-Inspector Akshayakumari S.N. of Manipal police station received credible information that narcotic substances were being stored and sold at a residence in Rajeev Nagar, 80 Badagabettu village. Acting on the tip-off, a police team raided the house and detained the accused.
During questioning, Reddy reportedly confessed that he and his associate Taneesh Ratna had purchased ganja from Meghalaya through an online application, which was delivered to them via postal service. The duo then allegedly sold the substance at high prices to students and acquaintances in Manipal and Udupi to earn profit.
Over 1 kg of ganja recovered
Based on the accused’s statement, police searched the premises and discovered two plastic parcels hidden under the bed. Inside the parcels were diapers, among which officers found three air zip bags containing more than 1 kg of ganja. Another parcel contained two paper-wrapped packets of ganja and two empty air zip covers.
Police also seized two bongs used for smoking ganja, an iPhone, and a wallet containing ₹3,180 in cash from the room. Officials said the accused had stored the contraband with the intent to sell it at higher prices in the student-dominated locality.
Case registered under NDPS Act
A case has been registered at the Manipal police station under Sections 8(C) and 20(b)(ii)(b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Police are investigating the involvement of other individuals, including Taneesh Ratna, who remains at large.
Manipal–Udupi area under increased vigilance
Authorities have intensified surveillance in and around college campuses and hostels in Manipal, which have seen a rise in narcotics-related activities in recent months. Police officials said they are working with cyber units and postal authorities to track illegal online transactions and delivery routes used for smuggling drugs from other states.
Conclusion
The arrest highlights the growing challenge of drug trafficking through online channels and postal networks. Police have urged students and residents to report any suspicious activity to local authorities to help curb the spread of narcotics in educational hubs like Manipal.