Daijiworld Media Network - Kaup (JD)

Kaup, Oct 28: The police here have arrested two men for allegedly selling ganja to tourists visiting Kaup and Mattu beaches. The police seized 5.710 kg of ganja, estimated to be worth Rs 2.85 lac, along with Rs 225 in cash and two mobile phones from the accused.

The arrested have been identified as Areef (38), a resident of Vinayanagar, near Badria Masjid, Belapu village, Kaup taluk, and Akeef (34), a resident near Jamia Masjid, Hoode, Paduthonse village, Udupi taluk.

According to the police, on October 27, Kaup circle inspector Azmat Ali received credible information that two persons were selling narcotic substances to tourists visiting Kaup and Mattu beaches. The information indicated that the suspects were operating near Yard Beach in Uliyargoli village.

Following the circle inspector's instructions, Kaup police station PSI Tejaswi led a team that raided the spot at around 12.05 pm. During the operation, the police allegedly found the two accused in possession of ganja intended for sale for personal profit.

The police seized 5.710 kg of ganja, Rs 225 in cash and two mobile phones before arresting both accused.

A case has been registered at Kaup police station under Crime No. 141/2026 under Sections 8(c) and 20(b)(ii)(B) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

During questioning, the accused reportedly stated that they had brought the ganja from Hyderabad, Telangana, for sale. The police also stated that criminal cases had been registered against the accused at various police stations.

The operation was conducted under the guidance of Karkala Sub-Division ASP Eshitha Gupta and Kaup circle inspector Azmat Ali, with PSI Tejaswi leading the team. Police personnel Vikram B, Bhaskara R C, Dharmappa, Raghu, Anwar Ali, Swamy D S, Akhil and Lokesh participated in the operation, along with members of the Anti-NDPS Squad of Karkala Sub-Division, CDR technical staff and SOCO personnel.