MADIKERI: In a major breakthrough, the Kodagu police have successfully busted an international drug trafficking operation and arrested seven accused individuals from various locations.
Kodagu SP Ramarajan K said the police seized 3 kg 31 grams of hydro ganja, valued at approximately Rs. 3 crores, from the accused, along with a car used in the crime.
The arrested individuals include Nasiruddin M.U. (26) from Gundigere Heggala Village, Akanas (26) from Kunjila Village, Yahya C.H (28) from Edapala Village, Wajeed (26) from Betoli Village in Kodagu district, and Riyaz (44) from Kallithea Village, Kannur, Kerala. The arrests were made in a joint operation by Kodagu police and Kerala police.
The prime accused, Mehroof, a 37-year-old resident of Kasaragod, was apprehended by Kerala Ernakulam District S.P. Viabhav Sakshena, Cochin Airport Immigration Officer Krishnaraj, and Madikeri Rural Circle Inspector Anoop Madappa and staff at Cochin Airport while attempting to flee to Bangkok, Thailand.
Another accused, Ravuf (28) from Arji village, who is an accomplice in the crime and currently residing in Bengaluru, was arrested on September 28 at his residence in Sanjay Nagar Layout by Manjunath, Sub-Inspector of Napoklu Police Station, and staff.
He emphasised the unique nature of the case, as hydro ganja is a more potent and expensive drug compared to regular ganja. "Hydro cannabis is grown using various types of artificial light and water in an air-conditioned room," he elaborated.
Smuggled ganja from Bangkok to IndiaThe SP also revealed that one of the arrested accused, Yahya, had smuggled the hydro ganja from Bangkok to India on September 23, 2024, as part of an international drug smuggling operation.
SP Ramarajan K explained that the investigation was conducted under the guidance of Additional SP Sundar Raj by a police team led by Madikeri DYSP Mahesh Kumar and Circle Inspector Raju P.K.
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