Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Jun 19: Seven persons, including the owner and an employee of an illegally operated homestay, were arrested by Malpe police in connection with a drug seizure during a raid conducted at Vishram Homestay in Thottam, Thenkanidiyoor village of Udupi taluk, on Thursday.

Acting on credible information that narcotic substances were being stored and supplied to the public from the premises, police conducted the operation under the guidance of the deputy superintendent of police, Udupi Sub-Division, and the circle inspector of police, Malpe. The raid was led by PSI Anil Kumar D and PSI Gangappa S, along with other police personnel.

During the raid, police found four persons identified as F M Nazil (31), Mohammed Azaruddin (42), Mohammed Afnan (19), and Vignesh (35) inside a room. Preliminary examination indicated that they had consumed narcotic substances. A search conducted in the presence of witnesses resulted in the seizure of 33.81 grams of ganja valued at approximately Rs 3,000, 9.73 grams of MDMA valued at around Rs 20,000, five mobile phones, and other materials, all of which were taken into custody.

Police said that despite notices issued earlier by both Malpe Police and the Tourism Department against the unauthorized operation of the establishment, Vishram Homestay continued to function illegally. Investigations revealed that the homestay owner, Dhanvan Rikit (36), and employee Basavaraj (36) had allegedly facilitated the consumption of narcotic substances on the premises. Both were arrested along with Geetanjali Jena (44), who was also found to be involved in the case.

A case has been registered at Malpe police station. All seven accused have been taken into custody and will be produced before the court for further legal proceedings, police said.