By News Karnataka Editorial Team

Copyright newskarnataka

Mangaluru: Mulki police on Saturday arrested a 27-year-old man who allegedly arrived in an auto-rickshaw with the intention of selling ganja near Karnad.

The accused has been identified as Yathiraj, a resident of Katipalla Krishnapura, Surathkal. Police said he was caught red-handed with 1.2 kg of ganja, the auto used for transportation, and ₹300 in cash believed to be proceeds from earlier sales. He was later remanded to judicial custody.

Earlier arrests led to breakthrough

Police revealed that the arrest was made possible following the interrogation of three men apprehended earlier this month. On September 14, police had arrested Prajwal (25) of Kapikad, Mulki; Pramod (22) of Kurikatte, Baikampady; and Steven (29) on charges of ganja consumption. During questioning, the trio provided critical information that helped officers track down Yathiraj, identified as a supplier in the chain.

Crackdown on local drug network

Commenting on the operation, Mulki police officers said:“Information from earlier arrests helped us identify and apprehend a key supplier of ganja. This is an important step in cracking down on the local distribution network.”

The seized narcotics, vehicle, and cash have been placed in police custody. Authorities added that surveillance in and around Mulki, Surathkal, and other parts of Dakshina Kannada will be intensified to dismantle the expanding illegal drug trade in the coastal belt.

The arrest marks a significant step in the ongoing police efforts to curb narcotics-related activities in the region, which have raised concerns among local residents.