Mangaluru: In a major blow to drug trafficking in the coastal city, the Mangaluru City Crime Branch (CCB) police have arrested two individuals for allegedly supplying the banned synthetic drug MDMA to college students and the general public. The two separate operations led to the recovery of 24.57 grams of MDMA, along with vehicles, mobile phones, and other materials used for drug distribution.
First arrest near Mangaluru port
Based on credible intelligence, the CCB team conducted a raid on November 4 near the Mangaluru port and dock area. During the operation, police arrested Abdul Salam (39), an auto-rickshaw driver from SH Nagar, Adyar, Kannur, Mangaluru.
Police officials recovered MDMA worth ₹1.2 lakh, in addition to an auto-rickshaw, mobile phone, weighing scale, and zip-lock covers, bringing the total seized value to approximately ₹2.3 lakh. Following the arrest, a case was registered at the Mangaluru South Police Station.
Second operation in Ullal taluk
In a separate operation on November 6, the CCB team apprehended Mohammad Naseer alias Shakir alias Chaki (28) from Jaradagudde House, Boliyaru, Ullal taluk. Naseer was allegedly involved in selling MDMA to students and local residents in the Boliyaru area.
From his possession, police seized MDMA valued at ₹1.2 lakh, a Yamaha FZ bike, a mobile phone, and zip-lock packets, collectively worth around ₹2.05 lakh. A case in this instance has been registered at the Konaje Police Station.
Network under investigation
Preliminary investigations suggest that both accused were part of a larger drug distribution network operating across parts of Mangaluru and its outskirts. Police sources revealed that efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other individuals linked to the racket.
A senior police officer said, “These arrests are part of an intensified drive to curb narcotic activities in the city, especially those targeting college students. The CCB has been tracking this network for some time and will continue operations to dismantle it completely.”
CCB intensifies anti-drug operations
The Mangaluru CCB, under the guidance of Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal and DCP (Crime & Traffic) S. Badaruddin, has been conducting several targeted operations in recent months to curb the sale of synthetic drugs such as MDMA, LSD, and ecstasy.
Police have urged educational institutions and parents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to drug use among students. “Community awareness is key in preventing drug abuse. We appeal to the public to cooperate with law enforcement,” officials added.
What is MDMA?
MDMA, commonly known as “ecstasy” or “molly,” is a synthetic psychoactive substance that alters mood and perception. Classified as a Schedule I narcotic under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, its possession, sale, or consumption is illegal in India and punishable with rigorous imprisonment.
Continuing crackdown on drug trade
The arrests mark another success for the Mangaluru CCB in its ongoing crackdown against the illegal drug trade in coastal Karnataka. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to making the city a drug-free zone through surveillance, community policing, and strict enforcement of the NDPS Act.
The arrested individuals remain in custody, and investigations are underway to trace the source of the drugs and possible connections to interstate suppliers.