Mangaluru Police Crack Down on Drug Network, Arrest Three Accused
In a significant operation targeting narcotics distribution, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) sleuths of the Mangaluru City police have apprehended three individuals for allegedly selling MDMA, a potent synthetic drug, to the public and students within the city. The arrests follow a meticulously planned raid based on credible intelligence, underscoring the authorities' commitment to curbing drug abuse in urban areas.
Raids Uncover Autorickshaw-Based Drug Peddling Operation
Acting on specific information that MDMA was being procured and sold in the Pumpwell–Yekkur locality using an autorickshaw as a mobile distribution point, CCB police conducted a decisive raid on Sunday. The operation led to the interception of the vehicle directly involved in these illicit activities, disrupting a key node in the local drug supply chain.
The arrested accused have been identified as:
- Hyder, also known as Hyder Ali, aged 53
- Mohammed Sajjad, 29, a resident of Thokkottu
- Jaison Menezes, 26, from Ujjodi, Pumpwell
Substantial Seizures and Property Valuation
City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH provided detailed insights into the confiscated items. The police seized 26 grams of MDMA with an estimated street value of Rs 2.5 lakh, along with Rs 37,000 in cash suspected to be proceeds from drug sales. Additionally, five mobile phones, a precision weighing scale, and the autorickshaw used in the peddling operation were impounded.
The total value of the seized property, including the vehicle and other assets, is approximately Rs 4.3 lakh, highlighting the scale of this illegal enterprise. A formal case has been registered at the Kankanady town police station, initiating legal proceedings against the accused.
Prime Accused with Criminal History and Ongoing Investigations
Investigations have revealed that the prime accused, Hyder Ali, has a prior criminal record. Previous cases registered against him include charges of obstructing police duty at the Mangaluru East police station, a drug peddling case from 2024, and an assault case at the Ullal police station. This history points to a pattern of involvement in unlawful activities.
Police authorities have indicated that their probe has uncovered the participation of additional individuals within the drug trafficking network. Efforts are currently underway to trace and apprehend other accused persons linked to this racket, aiming to dismantle the entire supply chain operating in the region.
This crackdown serves as a stern warning to drug peddlers and emphasizes the police's vigilance in protecting community health, particularly among vulnerable student populations. The use of an autorickshaw for distribution underscores the innovative yet dangerous methods employed by traffickers to evade detection, making such proactive police actions crucial for public safety.
