In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Mangaluru City Crime Branch (CCB) has successfully dismantled a drug supply network that was allegedly targeting vulnerable youth in public spaces and educational institutions. The operation led to the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of a large quantity of MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy.
Major Haul in Coordinated Raid
Acting on specific intelligence, a dedicated CCB team, under the leadership of ACP Manoj Kumar Naik and overseen by City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH, conducted a decisive raid on Saturday. The police intercepted a vehicle near the Sundaram Shetty Convention Hall on the busy Mangaluru-Udupi National Highway, within the Mulki police station limits.
The accused were reportedly waiting at the location to conduct an illegal sale. The swift action resulted in the confiscation of 517.8 grams of MDMA, with an estimated street value of approximately Rs 50 lakh. Additionally, police impounded the car used in the crime, valued at around Rs 10 lakh, and five mobile phones.
Accused Identified and Supply Chain Exposed
The four individuals taken into custody have been identified as:
- Mohammed Shiyab (alias Shiyab) from Navunda village, Kundapur.
- Mohammed Naushad (alias Naushad) from Ullal taluk.
- Imran (alias Imba) from Kasaba Bengre, Mangaluru.
- Nisar Ahmed (alias Nisar) from Bantwal.
Preliminary investigations by the police have revealed a disturbing supply chain. The accused allegedly procured the narcotic substance from a Nigerian national based in Bengaluru. They then transported the drugs to Mangaluru with the explicit intent of distributing them illegally for profit. The police stated that their primary targets included school and college students, as well as sales in various public places.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
A formal case has been registered against the accused at the Mulki police station. The charges have been framed under stringent sections of the narcotics law, specifically Sections 22(C) and 21(C) of the NDPS Act, along with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This indicates the seriousness of the offences related to commercial quantity and illicit trafficking.
This operation underscores the Mangaluru police's continued vigilance against the drug menace, particularly its focus on protecting the student community from such harmful influences. The investigation is ongoing to uncover further links in the network and identify other individuals involved.
