Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)
Mangaluru, Aug 4: In a major haul, the city crime branch (CCB) police led by inspector Sunil Naik has seized nearly 52 kg of ganja worth Rs 10.50 lac and arrested a man.
Addressing a press meet here on Thursday August 4, police commissioner Chandra Sekhar said that the accused arrested is Moideen Nawaz (29), a resident of Uppala in Kasargod.
Nawaz was peddling large quantities of ganja in Mangaluru and Kasargod district.
The police have also seized a Toyota Innova car bearing Kerala registration. Based on credible information, the CCB police chased and arrested Nawaz near Natekal cross under Konaje police limits on August 4. The police seized 51.7 kg of ganja which was in the car in two gunny bags.
The seized ganja was being transported in the Innova from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh for distribution in Mangaluru and Kasargod regions. The accused had purchased the ganja in Visakhapatnam and driven all the way to Mangaluru before being caught.
The total value of the seized items, including the car, is estimated at Rs 20.5 lac, said the police commissioner. "This is the biggest drugs catch by our police in recent times," he said.
He also said that the car used for the crime was not owned by Nawaz.
"The accused was earlier working in Dubai. He came back last year after he lost his job. He has no previous record of crime," the commissioner added.
Asked if Nawaz was part of a network of drug dealers, he said it would be revealed only after a thorough investigation.
To a query regarding the recent kidnapping and rescue of Richard Marian in Rajasthan, Chandra Sekhar said that one of the four abductors has been arrested and will soon be brought to Mangaluru from Rajasthan. He declined to provide his details, stating that the identification process was still on.
Mangaluru police helpline
Chandra Sekhar also announced that in order to connect with the public and respond to their concerns, the Mangaluru city police commissionerate has launched a weekly helpline for citizens to air their grievances directly.
"The people of Mangaluru can call the police helpline every Friday from 10 am to 11 am and voice their grievances. If I am available, I will respond to them directly, and in case I am busy, the DCP (law and order) will respond to the calls. I request the citizens to take advantage of the helpline," he said.
Helpline number: 0824 - 2220801 / 2220830