Udupi: Udupi City Police have arrested a 36-year-old man for allegedly attempting to sell narcotic substances near Bhujanga Park in Ajjarkadu and seized items valued at approximately Rs 85,000.

The accused has been identified as Vijay, alias Vijay Poojary, a resident of Ankudru in Udyavara. According to the police, he was apprehended during a raid conducted around 10.30 pm on October 17, following information about a man behaving suspiciously near the park.

Suspected narcotics seized during raid

Acting on the information, police personnel conducted a search and allegedly found narcotic substances stored in the compartment of the accused’s scooter.

The seized items included nine zip-lock bags containing a substance identified by the police as MDMA, weighing 17.66 grams. Police also seized a coloured pill and powder weighing 2.18 grams, a weighing scale, a mobile phone and the scooter allegedly used in the offence.

The total value of the seized items was estimated at Rs 85,000.

Police suspect that the substances were being kept for sale. The allegations are being investigated as part of the case registered against the accused.

Four previous cases registered

According to the police, four cases had previously been registered against Vijay at Udupi Town Police Station, including two under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Police also stated that the accused had been released from Hiriadka Jail on September 24. The department described him as a habitual offender based on his previous cases.

The previous cases and the circumstances surrounding the latest arrest are expected to form part of the police investigation.

Case registered under NDPS Act

A fresh case has been registered at Udupi Town Police Station under Sections 8(c) and 22(b) of the NDPS Act.

Section 8(c) prohibits certain activities involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances except as permitted under the law, while Section 22 deals with offences involving psychotropic substances.

The investigation will examine the alleged possession and intended sale of the seized substances.

Police team conducts operation

The operation was carried out under the guidance of Udupi Sub-division Deputy Superintendent of Police Belliyappa and led by Mahesh Prasad P., Police Inspector of Udupi City Police Station.

Police Sub-Inspector Bharatesh Kankanawadi, Ratnakar K. and other station personnel participated in the operation.

The police are continuing their investigation into the case. The allegations against the accused remain subject to the legal process.