Udupi Police Raid on Homestay Leads to Seven Arrests and Drug Seizure
Authorities in Udupi arrested seven people, including a homestay owner, following a raid in Thottam. Police recovered MDMA and ganja at the scene. The establishment was reportedly operating illegally despite prior warnings, and all suspects are being prosecuted under the NDPS Act.
Highlights
- •Police in Udupi arrested seven individuals following a raid on a homestay in Thottam.
- •Authorities seized 33.81 grams of ganja and 9.73 grams of MDMA during the operation.
- •The homestay was operating illegally despite receiving prior notices from tourism and police authorities.
- •All suspects are being charged under the provisions of the NDPS Act as investigations continue.
Local law enforcement authorities in Udupi have successfully conducted a targeted operation, leading to the arrest of seven individuals involved in illegal narcotics activities. The raid took place at a homestay situated in Thottam, approximately 7 kilometers from the main town center, on June 18. This significant police raid resulted in the discovery of banned substances, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding illicit drug consumption and distribution in local hospitality establishments.
Upon receiving specific intelligence regarding the illicit storage and consumption of drugs at the property, officials from the Malpe police station mobilized to execute the search. Inside the premises, officers encountered four individuals within a single room who were allegedly in the process of consuming narcotics. Subsequent investigations and a thorough search of the area, conducted in the presence of witnesses, led to the recovery of 33.81 grams of ganja—estimated to be worth Rs 3,000—and 9.73 grams of MDMA with an approximate market value of Rs 20,000. Additionally, authorities confiscated five mobile phones and other related items as evidence.
Details of the Narcotics Raid and Legal Action
The operation shed light on the continued defiance of regulatory requirements by the management of this particular homestay. Reports indicate that both the Malpe police and local tourism authorities had previously issued formal notices to the establishment, mandating that it operate strictly under legal authorization. Despite these directives, the facility reportedly continued to function in violation of state norms. Furthermore, allegations suggest that both the owner and an employee actively facilitated the illegal consumption of controlled substances on their property.
Those taken into custody following the police raid have been identified by the authorities as FM Nazil (31), Mohammed Azaruddin (42), Mohammed Afnan (19), Vighnesh (35), Basavaraj (36), Dhanvath Rikit (36), and Geetanjali (44). All seven individuals are currently facing legal proceedings under the stringent provisions of the NDPS Act (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act). Local officials have confirmed that a comprehensive investigation into the matter is actively underway, aiming to determine the extent of the distribution network operating out of the location. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the rigorous enforcement measures being implemented to curb drug-related crimes in Udupi and surrounding districts.
