Mangaluru: In a major anti-drug operation, the Mulki police arrested a 21-year-old female college student for allegedly attempting to sell hydro weed, also known as hydroponic ganja, and seized narcotics worth approximately Rs 35 lakh from her possession.
The arrested accused has been identified as Suhana, a native of Hulidevara Bana in Sagar taluk of Shivamogga district. She is currently pursuing the final year of her Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) degree at a college in Kundapur.
According to police officials, the arrest was made on Tuesday, May 12, following a coordinated operation carried out by the Panambur ACP squad and the Mulki police station team. Acting on credible information regarding the transportation and sale of narcotics in the region, the police intercepted the accused on Mulki railway station Road while she was allegedly carrying the banned substance for illegal distribution.
During the operation, the police recovered 1 kg and 42 grams of hydroponic weed from her possession. The seized contraband is estimated to be valued at around Rs 35,00,000 in the illegal drug market. Officials also confiscated a mobile phone and other materials allegedly used in facilitating the drug trade.
Narcotics allegedly sourced from Chennai
Preliminary investigation conducted by the police revealed that the accused had allegedly procured the hydroponic ganja from Chennai. Investigators suspect that the narcotics were transported to Mangaluru with the intention of supplying and selling the substance in different parts of the city for financial gain.
Hydro weed, commonly referred to as hydroponic ganja, is considered a high-grade form of cannabis cultivated using hydroponic methods. Due to its high potency and market demand, it is often sold at significantly higher prices compared to conventional marijuana.
Police sources stated that the accused was reportedly attempting to establish a supply chain targeting consumers in Mangaluru and nearby areas. Officials are now trying to determine whether she was operating independently or as part of a larger narcotics network.
A criminal case has been registered at the Mulki police station under Crime No. 32/2026. The case has been booked under Sections 8(c) and 20(b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which deal with possession, transportation, and illegal sale of narcotic substances.
Police probe previous drug-related cases
Investigators have also found that the accused has a history of involvement in drug-related offences. Police records indicate that multiple narcotics cases had previously been registered against her at different agencies.
One of the earlier cases was registered at the Kavoor police station under Crime No. 37/2026. The case was filed under Sections 8(c) and 22(c) of the NDPS Act in connection with alleged possession and illegal handling of narcotic substances.
Another case was reportedly registered by the Bengaluru International Airport Customs authorities under O.R. No. 177/2025-26. The charges in that case included Sections 20(b), 2(B), 23(b), 27(A), and 29 of the NDPS Act, relating to narcotics trafficking, illegal transport, financing, and criminal conspiracy.
Police officials described the accused as a habitual offender based on her criminal background and ongoing involvement in narcotics-related activities.
Investigation underway to trace wider network
The police have intensified the investigation to identify the accused’s possible associates and the wider network involved in the procurement and distribution of hydroponic ganja in coastal Karnataka.
Officials are examining digital evidence, including mobile phone records and communication details, to trace suppliers, buyers, and other individuals connected to the operation. Investigators are also attempting to determine whether similar consignments had previously been distributed in Mangaluru and neighbouring districts.
Senior police officers stated that strict action would continue against individuals involved in drug trafficking and illegal narcotics distribution in the region. Authorities have repeatedly expressed concern over the increasing circulation of synthetic and high-grade drugs among students and youth in coastal Karnataka.
The latest seizure is considered one of the significant hydro weed busts reported in the region in recent months. Police officials said further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.