Mangaluru: Mangaluru city police arrested two men and seized 21.45 kg of ganja allegedly brought from Odisha to be sold in the city during the New Year celebrations. The arrests were made by Surathkal police on January 3, 2026, following specific intelligence inputs indicating illegal storage and distribution of narcotics in the area.
The police action was taken based on credible information that a large quantity of ganja had been transported from outside the State and was being stored in a car for sale in Mangaluru. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, a police team conducted a raid near a house named Benaka at 2nd Cross, Parameshwari Nagar, in Chokkabettu village, which falls under the limits of Surathkal police station.
Raid leads to major seizure
During the raid, police recovered 21.450 kg of ganja, which they estimate to be worth ₹10,72,500 in the illicit market. In addition to the contraband, officers seized three mobile phones valued at around ₹7,000, a Swift car bearing registration number KA-04-MD-2532 used for transportation and valued at approximately ₹3 lakh, three luggage bags, two ganja consumption strips and ₹1,000 in cash.
The total value of the seized items has been estimated at ₹13,86,500. Police officials said the quantity of ganja seized indicates that the accused were involved in organised drug trafficking rather than petty retail sale.
Accused identified
The arrested persons have been identified as Pradeep Poojary (32), son of late Narayana Poojary, a native of Shalemajalu in Mangaluru taluk and presently residing in a rented house at Chokkabettu, and Vasantha (42), son of K. Venkappa Poojary, a resident of Chitrapura in Mangaluru.
Police said both accused were taken into custody at the spot during the raid and were later produced before a court. Further questioning revealed details about the source and intended distribution of the contraband.
Ganja procured from Odisha
During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed that they had procured the ganja from Odisha on December 29, 2025. Their plan was to sell the contraband in Mangaluru during the New Year period, when demand for narcotic substances typically rises due to celebrations and gatherings.
However, police said heightened surveillance, intensified checking and increased deployment of personnel across the city during the festive season disrupted their plans. Unable to distribute the ganja as intended, the accused allegedly kept the contraband stored in the car parked near the house at Chokkabettu.
“The timely information and swift action prevented the drugs from reaching the market,” a senior police officer said, adding that the seizure had likely averted the circulation of a significant quantity of narcotics among youth and partygoers.
Case registered under NDPS Act
A case has been registered at Surathkal Police Station under Crime No. 01/2026. The accused have been booked under Sections 8(c) and 20(b)(ii)(C) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which deal with illegal possession, transport and trafficking of commercial quantities of ganja.
Police officials said further investigation is underway to identify the supply chain, including the persons who supplied the ganja in Odisha and any local contacts who were expected to assist in distribution in Mangaluru.
Habitual offender among accused
Police disclosed that Pradeep Poojary is a habitual offender with multiple criminal cases registered against him at various police stations. His criminal history reportedly includes cases related to theft, NDPS offences, attempt to murder, preparation for dacoity, criminal conspiracy and violations under the Arms Act.
Officials said his past record suggests continued involvement in organised crime and drug-related activities. Investigators are examining whether he has links with larger interstate drug networks.
Operation led by senior officers
The operation was carried out under the leadership of North Sub-Division Assistant Commissioner of Police Srikanth K, with the active participation of officers and staff from Surathkal police station. Police officials commended the team for acting promptly on intelligence inputs and executing the raid without any untoward incident.
Senior officers said sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated efforts have been key to curbing drug trafficking in the city, particularly during festive seasons when traffickers attempt to exploit large crowds.
Police warn against drug menace
Police stated that the seizure has dealt a major blow to attempts by drug traffickers to target Mangaluru during the New Year celebrations. They reiterated their commitment to intensifying checks and surveillance to prevent the inflow and distribution of narcotics.
“We will continue to monitor known offenders and suspicious movements closely. Strict action will be taken against anyone involved in drug trafficking,” a police official said, appealing to the public to share information about illegal drug activities.
Conclusion
The arrest of the two accused and the seizure of 21.45 kg of ganja highlight the ongoing efforts of Mangaluru police to combat drug trafficking and protect public safety. As investigations continue to trace the wider network involved, police officials remain hopeful that sustained enforcement and public cooperation will help curb the drug menace in the region.