Major Drug Bust Near Manipal: Over 7 Kg Ganja Seized, One Arrested

Udupi: In a significant strike against illegal drug activity, the Udupi CEN police apprehended a 31-year-old man near Manipal for possessing a large quantity of ganja valued at nearly Rs 5.75 lakh.

The arrested individual, Areeb Ahmad, hails from Gulzar Street in Bhatkal, located in the Uttara Kannada district. He was allegedly attempting to illegally distribute ganja in the 80 Badagabettu village area, having sourced the contraband from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.

Following a tip-off about a planned narcotics deal in a public space, a police team led by Inspector Ramachandra Nayak acted swiftly, conducting a targeted operation that led to the arrest of the suspect on the spot.

During preliminary questioning, Areeb was unable to produce any valid license or legal documentation for possessing the banned substance. The team confiscated 7.304 kg of ganja, estimated at Rs 5,75,000 in market value.

Authorities also seized two mobile phones worth Rs 20,000, a backpack and a black bag used for transporting the drugs, and Rs 1,520 in cash. The cumulative worth of seized items has been pegged at Rs 5,96,520.

Further investigation revealed that the accused had sourced the ganja from a cycle rickshaw driver in Vijayawada. A case has now been officially filed at the CEN police station, Udupi, and further inquiries are underway.

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