106 Kg Ganja Worth 53 Lakh Seized in Vegetable Truck – Two Held in Dakshina Kannada
Puttur police seize 106 kg ganja worth ₹53 lakh hidden in vegetable goods vehicle, two arrested.
In a major breakthrough against narcotics trafficking, Puttur rural police in Dakshina Kannada district seized 106.60 kg of ganja concealed in a vegetable-laden goods vehicle during a late-night operation on Monday. The seizure, valued at approximately ₹53.03 lakh, is among the largest drug hauls in the region in recent times. Two persons have been arrested in connection with the case.
The operation was carried out based on specific intelligence inputs indicating that ganja was being transported using a car and an Ashok Leyland goods vehicle. Acting swiftly, Puttur rural police sub-inspector Gunapala J and his team intercepted both vehicles at Sajankadi in Padavannoor village of Puttur taluk. The coordinated interception led to the exposure of the smuggling attempt.
Upon questioning, the driver of the car identified himself as Rafiq P (37) from Charmadi village in Belthangady taluk. His suspicious behaviour prompted a detailed search of the vehicle, during which police recovered around 100 grams of ganja packed in a plastic cover. This discovery raised further suspicion about the accompanying goods vehicle.
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The driver of the goods vehicle, Abdul Sadiq (37), also a resident of Charmadi village, was then questioned. A thorough inspection of the vegetable consignment revealed 73 bundles of ganja carefully hidden among the produce. The total weight of the seized contraband exceeded 106 kg, confirming the scale of the smuggling operation.
During interrogation, both accused reportedly confessed that the ganja was being transported for distribution in Kerala, Mangaluru and other parts of Dakshina Kannada district. Police seized the contraband, both vehicles and two mobile phones. A case has been registered under the NDPS Act, and further investigation is underway to trace the source and network behind the trafficking, police officials said.
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