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, leading to 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, based on actionable intelligence received by authorities.
Police Action Based on Credible Tip-Off
Acting on a credible tip-off that a resident of Kaup was planning to sell MDMA in the area, the Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) of Surathkal police station organized and led a swift raid. During the operation, law enforcement officials discovered two cars parked side by side at the location, as confirmed by DCP (Law and Order) Mithun HN. The prompt response by the police prevented the illicit substances from reaching potential buyers.
Details of the Arrested Accused
The individuals taken into custody have been identified as Zakaria, aged 38 and hailing from Kaup, and Mithun Poojary, aged 23, a resident of Santhekatte in Udupi district. During subsequent interrogation, both accused allegedly confessed that they had traveled to Surathkal with the intent to distribute the drugs primarily to college students and the general public, highlighting a concerning trend of targeting vulnerable demographics.
Substantial Seizures and Property Confiscated
The police recovered a total of 54 grams of MDMA, with 18.4 grams found in Zakaria's possession and 36.1 grams seized from Mithun Poojary. In addition to the narcotics, 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 property is estimated to be around Rs 18.7 lakh, underscoring the scale of the operation.
Criminal Background of One Accused
Further investigation revealed that Zakaria has a significant 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 indicates a pattern of criminal behavior, adding gravity to the current charges.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
A formal case has been registered at the Surathkal police station, and a thorough investigation is currently underway to uncover any possible connections to larger drug networks or additional accomplices. The police are committed to ensuring that all aspects of this case are meticulously examined to uphold law and order in the region.
This operation marks a crucial step in combating drug abuse and trafficking in Mangaluru, sending a strong message against such illegal activities. Authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspicious behavior to help maintain community safety and prevent the spread of narcotics.
