In a major anti-narcotics operation, Mangaluru city police arrested two men, Pradeep Poojary (32) and Vasantha (42), and seized 21.45 kg of ganja allegedly brought from Odisha to be sold during New Year celebrations.
The arrests were carried out on January 3, 2026, by Surathkal police, acting on intelligence inputs that the contraband was being stored in a car for distribution. A raid was conducted near a house named Benaka at 2nd Cross, Parameshwari Nagar, Chokkabettu village.
Authorities recovered 21.450 kg of ganja valued at Rs10.72 lakh, a Swift car (KA-04-MD-2532) used for transport, three mobile phones, three luggage bags, two ganja consumption strips, and Rs1,000 in cash. The total estimated value of the seizure was Rs13.86 lakh.
During interrogation, the accused admitted procuring the ganja from Odisha on December 29, 2025, intending to sell it in Mangaluru for the New Year. Heightened police surveillance forced them to store it in the car.
Police said Pradeep Poojary is a habitual offender, with multiple criminal cases including theft, NDPS offences, attempt to murder, preparation for dacoity, criminal conspiracy, and Arms Act violations.
The operation was led by North Sub-Division ACP Srikanth K, with the assistance of Surathkal police. Authorities confirmed that the seizure dealt a major blow to New Year drug trafficking efforts in the city.
