Mangaluru: The Ullal police have arrested a man who had been absconding for several years after securing bail in a narcotics case registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The accused, identified as Fazal (31), a resident of Mohammed Ali Manzil, Pachilambar in Uppala, Kasargod district of Kerala, was apprehended on June 9 following a police operation.

Arrest after years of absconding

According to police, Fazal was an accused in crime number 76/2021 registered at Ullal Police Station under Sections 8(c) and 21(b) of the NDPS Act. The case pertains to offences involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Following his arrest in connection with the case in 2021, Fazal had secured bail. However, after being released, he allegedly failed to appear before the court as required and remained absconding for an extended period.

Police said efforts had been ongoing to trace his whereabouts and secure his presence before the court. Acting on credible information regarding his location, a police team tracked him down to his residence in Uppala and took him into custody on June 9.

Produced before court

After his arrest, the accused was brought to Mangaluru and produced before the Principal District and Sessions Court in connection with Special Case No. 23/2026.

The court subsequently remanded him to judicial custody.

Officials stated that the arrest marks a significant step in ensuring that accused persons facing trial under the NDPS Act comply with court proceedings and do not evade the legal process.

Continued action against absconding accused

Police sources said special efforts are being undertaken to trace and apprehend individuals who remain absconding in pending criminal cases. Such operations are aimed at ensuring the smooth progress of court proceedings and upholding the rule of law.

The successful arrest of Fazal after several years highlights the continued monitoring and follow-up carried out by law enforcement agencies in cases involving serious offences under the NDPS Act.

Conclusion

Mangaluru police have succeeded in tracing and arresting an accused who had been absconding after obtaining bail in a narcotics case registered by Ullal Police Station in 2021. Following his arrest in Uppala, the accused was produced before the court and remanded to judicial custody, allowing the legal proceedings in the case to move forward.