Beltangady: Venur police arrested two persons for allegedly transporting MDMA, a banned narcotic substance, in a car during a naka checking operation conducted near Kambaladadda along the Guruvayanakere–Moodbidri Road. A third accused in the case is currently absconding, police said.
The arrested accused have been identified as Tanveer (27), a resident of Handelu in Puttige village of Mangaluru taluk, and Mohammad Salwan (22), a resident of Kallabettu in Moodbidri.
Police said the operation was carried out based on credible information received by Venur police sub-inspector Akshay Dvagi regarding the illegal transportation of narcotic substances through the area.
Naka bandi leads to seizure
Acting on the tip-off, Venur police personnel established a naka bandi on May 27 near Kambaladadda on the Guruvayanakere–Moodbidri Road. Vehicles passing through the route were stopped and subjected to detailed inspection.
During the checking operation, police intercepted an i20 car bearing registration number KA-13-P-2905. Upon searching the vehicle, officers allegedly recovered 4 grams of MDMA concealed inside the car.
According to police, the seized narcotic substance was intended for illegal sale. The value of the confiscated MDMA has been estimated at approximately Rs 40,000.
The accused were immediately taken into custody and later subjected to interrogation.
Third accused absconding
During questioning, the arrested duo allegedly disclosed the involvement of another individual identified as Hamzath Karar, a resident of Sunnathkere in Kuveittu village of Beltangady taluk.
Police sources said the accused informed investigators that Hamzath Karar had supplied the MDMA for sale. However, the third accused is currently absconding.
Venur police have launched a search operation and formed teams to trace and apprehend the absconding suspect.
Accused remanded to judicial custody
The two arrested accused were produced before a magistrate court in Mangaluru on May 28. The court remanded them to 14 days of judicial custody, police said.
Officials stated that further investigation is underway to determine whether the accused were linked to a larger narcotics network operating in the coastal region.
Police have also intensified surveillance and vehicle checks in the area as part of ongoing efforts to curb the illegal sale and transportation of narcotic substances in Dakshina Kannada district.
Authorities have urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and share information regarding drug-related activities to help prevent the spread of narcotics among youth.