Udupi: In a significant breakthrough against narcotics smuggling, the Udupi Crime and Economic Narcotics (CEN) police seized over 65 kg of ganja during an operation conducted near Kinnimulki on National Highway 66 on Thursday.

The contraband, hidden inside a Mysuru-registered lorry travelling from Udupi towards Mangaluru, was discovered after police intercepted the vehicle on suspicion. The seized ganja, packed in nine large sacks, weighed 65.039 kg and carries an estimated street value ranging between Rs 32 lakh and Rs 50 lakh, with police pegging the bulk value at approximately Rs 35 lakh.

Arrest of two suspects

Police arrested Ganesh (38), a resident of Bilikere Hobli, Hunsur Taluk, and P Gopal Reddy (43), of Mohan Rao Colony, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, in connection with the illegal transport.

Alongside the contraband and the lorry, officers also seized two mobile phones, Rs 1,520 in cash, and other personal belongings from the accused.

A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Malpe police station. Investigations are underway to trace the source of the contraband and identify other members of the smuggling network.

Operation led by special team

The successful operation was carried out under the leadership of Dr Harsha Priyamvada, IPS, assistant superintendent of police, Karkala sub-division, and in-charge of the CEN crime police station. She was assisted by DySP DT Prabhu of Udupi sub-division.

The special enforcement team included Circle Inspector Ramachandra Nayak (Malpe), Inspector of CEN crime police station, and staff members Praveen Kumar, Praveen Shettigar, Yateen Kumar, Raghavendra, Dixit, Nilesh, Mayappa, Muttappa, and Pavan, supported by Praveen from Malpe Police Station and Srinivas from Udupi Traffic Police Station.

Growing concern over drug trafficking in coastal Karnataka

The seizure has once again highlighted the growing menace of drug trafficking in coastal Karnataka, with Udupi and Mangaluru frequently emerging as transit points in the narcotics supply chain. Police sources indicated that syndicates often use goods vehicles and long-distance routes to transport contraband between states.

Law enforcement agencies in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have intensified surveillance and crackdowns on such networks in recent months, with several high-value drug hauls reported.

Conclusion

UDUPI: The seizure of over 65 kg of ganja worth nearly Rs 35 lakh marks one of the largest anti-narcotics operations in recent months in the coastal region. With two suspects in custody and further investigations underway, police have reiterated their commitment to curbing the smuggling menace and dismantling criminal networks operating across state borders.