Major Drug Bust in Mangaluru: Police Nab Two, Confiscate MDMA Worth Rs 5.4 Lakh
In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Surathkal police in Mangaluru executed a successful operation on Friday, resulting in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of 54 grams of MDMA with an estimated street value of Rs 5.4 lakh. The raid was conducted near a weighbridge at Mukka, within the jurisdiction of the Surathkal police station, following actionable intelligence about illicit drug activities in the area.
Police Action Based on Credible Intelligence
Acting on a reliable tip-off, authorities were alerted that a resident of Kaup was planning to arrive in the vicinity to distribute MDMA. Promptly responding to this information, the Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) of Surathkal police station led a targeted raid. During the operation, law enforcement officials discovered two vehicles parked adjacent to each other, as confirmed by DCP (Law and Order) Mithun HN.
Details of the Arrested Individuals and Seized Items
The apprehended suspects have been identified as Zakaria, aged 38 and hailing from Kaup, and Mithun Poojary, a 23-year-old resident of Santhekatte in Udupi district. Upon interrogation, both accused allegedly confessed that their intention was to sell the narcotics to college students and the general public in Surathkal.
During the search, police recovered 18.4 grams of MDMA from Zakaria and 36.1 grams from Mithun Poojary, culminating in a total seizure of 54 grams. In addition to the drugs, authorities confiscated two cars valued at approximately Rs 13 lakh, two mobile phones worth Rs 20,000, and Rs 11,700 in cash. The cumulative value of all seized assets is estimated to be around Rs 18.7 lakh.
Criminal Background of the Accused
Investigations revealed that Zakaria has a notable criminal history, with five prior cases registered against him. These include:
- Assault cases at Bajpe police station in 2009
- Assault cases at Mulki police station in 2020
- Assault cases at Padubidri police station in 2022
- An assault case involving a woman in 2022
- A kidnapping case at Udupi Town Police Station in 2021
This background underscores the seriousness of the current charges and the ongoing efforts to combat organized crime in the region.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
A formal case has been registered at the Surathkal police station, and a thorough investigation is currently underway to uncover any potential links to broader drug networks. The police are diligently working to ensure that all aspects of this case are thoroughly examined to prevent future illicit activities.
This operation highlights the proactive measures taken by law enforcement agencies in Karnataka to curb drug trafficking and protect communities from the harmful effects of substance abuse. The successful bust serves as a stern warning to those involved in such illegal enterprises, reinforcing the commitment of authorities to maintain public safety and order.
