Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Sept 11: In a major anti-narcotics operation, Udupi CEN (Crime and Economic Narcotics) police seized over 65 kg of ganja being illegally transported in a Mysuru-registered lorry on Thursday, September 11. The vehicle was intercepted near Kinnimulki on National Highway 66 while en route from Udupi to Mangaluru.

During the inspection, police recovered 65.039 kg of ganja, packed in nine large sacks, hidden inside the vehicle. The estimated street value of the contraband ranges between Rs 32 lac and Rs 50 lac, with the bulk valued at approximately Rs 35 lac.

Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.

The accused have been identified as Ganesh (38), a resident of Bilikere Hobli, Hunsur Taluk, and P Gopal Reddy (43), of Mohan Rao Colony, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.

In addition to the ganja and the lorry, police also seized two mobile phones, ?1,520 in cash, and other belongings from the duo.

A case has been registered at Malpe police station under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, and further investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the contraband and other members of the smuggling network.

The operation was carried out under the leadership of Dr Harsha Priyamvada, IPS, assistant superintendent of police, Karkala sub-division, and in-charge of the CEN crime police station, with the guidance of DT Prabhu, deputy superintendent of police, Udupi sub-division.

The special team included circle inspector Ramachandra Nayak (Malpe), the in-charge Police Inspector of CEN crime police station, and staff members Praveen Kumar, Praveen Shettigar, Yateen Kumar, Raghavendra, Dixit, Nilesh, Mayappa, Muttappa, and Pavan, along with Praveen from Malpe Police Station and Srinivas from Udupi Traffic Police Station.