Mangaluru: Ullal police on Monday took into custody a 22-year-old man allegedly involved in the illegal sale of MDMA crystals at a public place near the Falah School bus stop on KC Road in Talapady village. The arrest follows a targeted operation based on credible information about drug peddling activities in the area.
The accused has been identified as Sheikh Mohammad Kaif (22), a resident of Uppala in Manjeshwar, Kerala. Police said two other alleged drug peddlers who were present at the spot managed to flee during the raid.
Seizure of banned narcotic substance
During the operation, police seized 11 grams of banned MDMA crystals from the possession of the accused. The seized contraband is estimated to be worth around Rs 55,000 in the illegal market. In addition to the narcotic substance, police also recovered a digital weighing scale allegedly used for measuring the drugs, Rs 500 in cash believed to be proceeds from drug sales, and a mobile phone suspected to have been used for coordinating the illegal transactions.
Officials stated that the seizure was carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and the materials have been secured as evidence for further investigation.
Two accomplices flee the scene
According to the police, two other individuals identified as Shameer Kamble and Javeed, both residents of Uppala, Manjeshwar, were present at the location at the time of the raid. As police approached the spot, the duo reportedly escaped on a motorcycle, evading arrest.
Police teams have launched a search operation to trace the absconding accused. Efforts are underway to identify their hideouts and to determine whether they are part of a larger drug trafficking network operating across the Karnataka–Kerala border.
Sale at public place raises concern
Investigators revealed that the accused trio was allegedly selling MDMA crystals to known customers at the public place near Falah School on KC Road. Police said the accused chose the location due to regular public movement, believing it would help them blend in and avoid suspicion.
Senior officers expressed concern over the sale of synthetic drugs in public areas, especially near educational institutions and residential localities, stating that such activities pose a serious threat to youth and public safety.
Motive linked to lavish lifestyle
Preliminary investigation suggests that Sheikh Mohammad Kaif, along with the two absconding accused, was allegedly involved in drug peddling to fund a lavish lifestyle. Police sources said the accused were catering to a select group of customers and had been active for some time before being caught.
Further questioning of the accused is expected to reveal details about the source of the MDMA crystals, the extent of the distribution network, and whether other individuals are involved in the racket.
Arrest and court proceedings
Sheikh Mohammad Kaif was taken into custody at the spot and later produced before a competent court. Police are expected to seek his custodial remand for further interrogation to trace the supply chain and recover additional evidence.
A case has been registered at Ullal police station under relevant sections of the NDPS Act. Officials confirmed that strict legal action will be taken against all those involved, including the absconding accused, once they are apprehended.
Police reiterate zero tolerance towards drugs
Ullal police reiterated their zero-tolerance approach towards narcotics and appealed to the public to share information related to drug peddling activities. Authorities stressed that community cooperation is crucial in curbing the spread of drugs, particularly among young people.
The police have intensified surveillance in sensitive areas and assured that similar operations will continue to ensure that drug trafficking networks are dismantled and offenders are brought to justice.