Mangaluru: The City Crime Branch (CCB) police have arrested three people and seized 240 grams of MDMA, a banned narcotic drug, valued at around Rs 24 lakh during a raid near Kayargoli Cross in Mudipu under Ullal taluk.
The operation was conducted on the evening of Saturday, September 26, based on information received by the CCB regarding the alleged sale of MDMA in Mangaluru.
According to police, the accused had allegedly procured the drug from Bengaluru and were involved in peddling it to members of the public and students in Mangaluru.
MDMA and vehicle seized
During the operation, CCB personnel seized 240 grams of MDMA from the accused.
Police also confiscated four mobile phones and a tempo allegedly used for transporting the contraband.
The total value of the seized items, including the drug, mobile phones and vehicle, has been estimated at Rs 29.80 lakh.
The raid was carried out near Kayargoli Cross in Mudipu after the police received credible information about the alleged drug-peddling activity.
Three arrested
The arrested individuals have been identified as Nawaz alias Navva alias Mudipu Nawaz, 35, a resident of Gousia Compound near Gousia Jumma Masjid in Kairangala village; Mohammad Arif N, 36, of Nattihithalu House in Kairangala; and Lloyd D’Souza, 35, a resident of Mattebare in Kairangala.
Police said the three were allegedly involved in the procurement and distribution of MDMA.
Following the seizure, a case has been registered at Konaje police station and further investigation is under way.
Police detail previous cases against Nawaz
According to police, Nawaz has 16 cases registered against him at various police stations in Mangaluru city.
Police said the cases involve allegations including assault, issuing threats, attempt to murder, kidnapping, rape, cheating, cattle theft and drug peddling.
Of the 16 cases, 12 were registered at Konaje police station, two at Ullal police station and one each at Mulki and Surathkal police stations, according to the police.
Police further stated that Nawaz has four previous cases relating to alleged drug peddling, with two cases each registered at Ullal and Konaje police stations.
These details form part of the police record cited in connection with the present investigation.
Probe into wider drug network
The CCB suspects that several other people may be involved in the alleged drug-trafficking network.
Following the arrests and seizure, police have launched a search operation to trace and apprehend the other suspected members of the network.
Investigators are also examining the source of the seized MDMA, its alleged route from Bengaluru to Mangaluru and the intended recipients of the drug.
The seized mobile phones are expected to be examined as part of the investigation to establish the alleged network and identify other persons who may have been involved.
Further investigation under way
CCB officers and personnel involved in the operation were responsible for the detection and seizure of the alleged contraband.
A case has been registered at Konaje police station, and further investigation is continuing.
Police are expected to gather additional details regarding the procurement, transportation and alleged distribution of MDMA as the investigation progresses.
The allegations against the arrested individuals remain subject to investigation and the legal process.