Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, April 11: In a significant drug bust, the Mangaluru City Crime Branch (CCB) police have arrested three individuals for allegedly smuggling the banned synthetic drug MDMA from Bengaluru and distributing it in the Surathkal area of the city.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Mohammad Asif (24) and Askar Ali (31), both residents of Surathkal, and Mohammad Rasheem (24) from Haleyangadi.
According to police sources, the trio had been purchasing MDMA from Bengaluru and transporting it to Mangaluru via private bus parcel services.
Once in the city, they allegedly distributed the drug, commonly known as Ecstasy, primarily targeting the public and student community around the Mukka-Malemar beach road in Surathkal. The drugs were being transported in a Toyota Innova car (KA-31-N-6311).
Based on specific intelligence, the CCB team intercepted the Innova car on Thursday, April 10, and found the accused in possession of 10 grams of MDMA, valued at around Rs 1 lakh. In addition to the drugs, the police seized Rs 4,000 in cash, four mobile phone handsets, and the car itself, bringing the total value of the recovered property to Rs 9,24,000.
The police revealed that the accused were selling the drugs to make quick illegal profits and lead a lavish lifestyle. One of the accused, Mohammad Asif, already has two criminal cases registered against him at Surathkal police station, including one related to drug peddling and another involving assault.
The operation was carried out under the guidance of ACP Manoj Kumar Nayak, with inspector Rafiq K M leading the team. PSI Sharanappa Bhandari and the CCB personnel played a crucial role in the arrests.
Police have confirmed that the network extends beyond the three arrested individuals, and efforts are underway to trace and apprehend other members involved in the drug supply chain.