Udupi: Manipal police have arrested the fourth accused in an NDPS case linked to the sale of ganja and LSD in the Manipal area. The accused, who had been absconding since last year, was taken into custody recently following sustained surveillance and follow-up investigation.
Police identified the accused as Mohammed Ajmal (26), a native of Malappuram district in Kerala, who was staying in a rented apartment in Manipal.
Over 2 kg ganja seized
According to police, Ajmal was allegedly involved in selling ganja near Manipal Syndicate Circle. During the operation, officers seized 2,084 grams of ganja from his possession. The contraband is estimated to be worth around ₹1 lakh in the illegal market.
Following his arrest, Ajmal was produced before a court and has been remanded to judicial custody.
Police said he had been evading arrest since the earlier phase of the case was registered and cracked, and was traced through field intelligence and network tracking.
Five consumers detained, separate cases filed
Udupi police also detained five persons who allegedly purchased ganja from Ajmal. During questioning and medical verification, it was confirmed that they had consumed the substance.
Separate cases have been registered against the five individuals at Manipal Police Station for drug consumption under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act. Further inquiry is in progress to determine the frequency and scale of supply.
Investigators are also examining Ajmal’s possible links with other peddlers and supply channels operating in and around the student hub of Manipal.
Case dates back to August 2025 raid
The NDPS case was originally registered on August 16, 2025, based on credible information received by Manipal police that ganja was being sold from a room located on the road leading to the Narasinga Temple at Eshwar Nagar in Herga village.
Acting on the tip-off, the police inspector and his team conducted a raid at the premises. During the search, two persons were found in possession of substances suspected to be ganja.
They were identified as Afshin and Shivanidhi Acharya. During preliminary interrogation, they allegedly admitted to selling ganja and LSD for monetary gain.
Earlier arrest of third accused
As part of the same case, another accused — Manish (34), son of Manian, a native of Kasaragod district in Kerala who was residing in an apartment in Udupi — was arrested on August 17, 2025. He was later produced before the court and remanded as per legal procedure.
With the arrest of Mohammed Ajmal, the total number of accused held in the case has now risen to four.
Probe continues into supply network
Police said further investigation is underway to map the broader drug distribution network connected to the case, including sourcing, storage and retail supply channels. Digital evidence, call records and financial trails are being examined.
Officials said special focus is being given to areas around student residential zones and rental accommodations to curb narcotics distribution.
Conclusion
The latest arrest marks a significant development in the Manipal NDPS case involving ganja and LSD sales. Police said continued enforcement and intelligence-based operations will be carried out to dismantle drug supply chains operating in the region.