Puttur: The Puttur Rural Police have busted an illegal MDMA drug peddling network operating within the limits of the Puttur Rural Police Station and arrested four persons in connection with the case. Police have also seized two cars allegedly used for transporting narcotic substances, along with drugs and other incriminating materials, in a major crackdown on drug-related activities in the region.

According to the police, the network was actively involved in the consumption and sale of the synthetic narcotic drug MDMA in several areas under the station limits, including Bettampady, Irde, Renja and Arlapadavu. The arrests were made following sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering by the police.

Four accused arrested in coordinated operation

The arrested persons have been identified as Mohammed Harshad (33), Mohammed Aareesh (31) and Ibrahim Ashraf alias Roja Ashraf (46), all residents of Puttur. In addition, Mustafa (46), a resident of Bantwal, who allegedly supplied MDMA to the other accused, was also taken into custody.

Police said the accused were part of a network involved in procuring, distributing and consuming MDMA, targeting select pockets in and around Puttur rural areas.

Drugs, vehicles and other materials seized

During the operation, police seized approximately 6.39 grams of MDMA, estimated to be worth around ₹50,000 in the illegal market. In addition, 0.87 grams of ganja was also recovered from the accused.

Apart from the narcotic substances, the police seized mobile phones used for communication related to drug transactions and two cars allegedly used for committing the offence. The seized vehicles are estimated to be worth about ₹6 lakh.

The total value of the seized property, including drugs, vehicles and other materials, has been pegged at approximately ₹6.5 lakh.

Case registered under NDPS and Arms Acts

A case has been registered at the Puttur Rural Police Station on January 24, 2026, under Crime No. 13/2026. The accused have been booked under Sections 8(c) and 21(b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act for illegal possession and trafficking of narcotic drugs.

In addition, Section 25(1B)(B) of the Arms Act has also been invoked in the case, police said, based on the materials recovered during the investigation.

Police team behind the successful bust

The operation was carried out by an investigation team led by Puttur Rural Police Sub-Inspector Gunapala J. The team included Sub-Inspector Sushma Bhandari and staff members Murugesh Parameshwar, Satish, Subrahmanya, Harish, Nagesh, Bhavith Rai Vinod, Nagaraj and Karthik.

Personnel from the special team — Adram, Prashanth M, Praveen Rai, Prashanth Rai, Harshith and Sampath — along with members of the Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) team, also participated in the operation.

Crackdown aimed at curbing drug menace

Police officials said the successful bust was part of intensified efforts to curb the spread of narcotic drugs in Dakshina Kannada district, particularly in rural pockets that are increasingly being targeted by drug peddlers.

They added that further investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the drugs, possible interstate links and the extent of the network. More arrests are not ruled out as the probe progresses.

Conclusion

The arrest of four accused and the seizure of MDMA, ganja and vehicles mark a significant step by the Puttur Rural Police in tackling the drug menace in the region. Police have urged the public to cooperate by sharing information related to drug trafficking and assured strict action against those involved in the illegal trade.