Mangaluru city police arrested two men and seized 21.45 kg of ganja allegedly brought from Odisha for sale in the city during New Year celebrations. The arrests were made by Surathkal police on January 3, 2026, following specific intelligence inputs.
Police received information that the ganja was being illegally stored in a car for distribution. Acting on the tip-off, officers conducted a raid near a house named Benaka at 2nd Cross, Parameshwari Nagar, Chokkabettu village, under the Surathkal police station limits.
The accused have been identified as Pradeep Poojary (32), son of late Narayana Poojary, a native of Shalemajalu in Mangaluru taluk, and Vasantha (42), son of K. Venkappa Poojary, resident of Chitrapura, Mangaluru.
During the raid, police seized:
21.450 kg of ganja (Rs10,72,500)
Three mobile phones (Rs7,000)
A Swift car (KA-04-MD-2532) used for transport (Rs3 lakh)
Three luggage bags and two ganja consumption strips
₹1,000 in cash
The total value of the seized items is estimated at Rs13,86,500.
During interrogation, the accused reportedly admitted procuring the ganja from Odisha on December 29, 2025, intending to sell it in Mangaluru during New Year festivities. However, heightened police surveillance prevented them from distributing the contraband, forcing them to store it in the vehicle.
Police said Pradeep Poojary is a habitual offender, with multiple cases registered against him, including theft, NDPS offences, attempt to murder, preparation for dacoity, criminal conspiracy, and violations under the Arms Act.
A case has been registered at Surathkal Police Station (Crime No. 01/2026) under Sections 8(c) and 20(b)(ii)(C) of the NDPS Act, and further investigation is ongoing.
The operation was conducted under the leadership of North Sub-Division ACP Srikanth K, with assistance from Surathkal police officers and staff. Authorities stated that the seizure dealt a significant blow to drug trafficking efforts aimed at exploiting festive crowds in Mangaluru.
