Mangaluru: In a major crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Mangaluru City Crime Branch (CCB) police arrested two persons in separate operations for allegedly selling the banned narcotic substance MDMA to the public and students in the city. The police seized a total of 164 grams of MDMA valued at approximately Rs 16.40 lakh during the raids conducted on June 5.
The operations were carried out based on credible information received by the CCB regarding the illegal procurement and distribution of MDMA in different parts of the city. Police said investigations are continuing to identify and apprehend others involved in the drug trafficking network.
Raid in Hoige Bazaar leads to first arrest
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, CCB officers conducted a raid at a house in the Hoige Bazaar area where MDMA was allegedly being stored and sold to the public and students after being sourced from Bengaluru.
During the operation, police arrested a suspect and seized 104 grams of MDMA worth approximately Rs 10.40 lakh. Officials also recovered a mobile phone, zip-lock covers used for packaging the narcotic substance and a digital weighing machine allegedly used for distribution activities.
A case has been registered at the Mangaluru South Police Station, and further investigation is underway.
The arrested accused has been identified as Pranam Kotian (30), a resident of Janaki Nilaya, located behind Dhoomavathi Daivasthana in Hoige Bazaar.
According to police records, Pranam Kotian has previously been involved in several criminal cases. These include an assault and criminal intimidation case registered at Mangaluru South Police Station in 2016, a narcotics consumption case in 2026, a ganja-related case registered by the Excise Department in 2022 and a ganja sale case registered at Mangaluru North Police Station in the same year.
Second operation conducted in Padavinangady
In a separate operation on the same day, CCB personnel raided a house in the Padavinangady area following information that MDMA was being sold from the premises.
During the raid, police arrested another suspect and recovered 60 grams of MDMA valued at approximately Rs 6 lakh. Officers also seized a mobile phone, zip-lock covers and a digital weighing machine allegedly used in the illegal drug trade.
A case has been registered at the Mangaluru Rural Police Station.
The accused has been identified as Dhanaraj Poojary alias Dhanu Valachil (33), a resident of Arkula, Valachil, Padavu, and presently residing at Mugarodi in Gurunagar, Padavinangady.
Accused linked to multiple criminal cases
Police said Dhanaraj Poojary has an extensive criminal history, with around 12 cases registered against him at various police stations, including Mangaluru South, Mangaluru North, Surathkal, Barke, Kavoor, Kankanady Town and Bantwal.
The cases reportedly include charges related to murder, attempt to murder, assault and criminal intimidation. Investigators also noted that he had previously been sentenced to three years of imprisonment in connection with a grievous assault case registered at Surathkal Police Station in 2016.
Officials are examining whether the accused were operating independently or were part of a larger organised network involved in narcotics distribution across the region.
Investigation continues
Police believe several other individuals may be involved in the procurement, transportation and distribution of MDMA in and around Mangaluru. Efforts are currently underway to identify the suppliers and other members of the alleged drug network.
The seizure is being viewed as a significant success in the ongoing campaign against narcotics trafficking in coastal Karnataka. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to curbing the sale of illegal drugs, particularly those targeting students and young people.
The operations were carried out by officers and personnel of the Mangaluru City CCB unit. Further investigations are in progress, and police expect additional arrests as the probe expands.