Udupi police destroyed seized narcotics valued at ₹36.29 lakh on Friday, marking a major step in the district’s intensified fight against drug trafficking. Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar oversaw the disposal at Ayush Envirotech in the Nandikur Industrial Area, carried out under court orders as part of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observance.
The contraband included 73.9 kg of ganja, 15 grams of MDMA, and other banned substances. These were seized in 17 cases registered during 2025–26 across six police stations in Udupi district. Malpe Police Station accounted for the largest haul — 64 kg of ganja alone.
Speaking to reporters after the destruction, SP Hariram Shankar expressed concern over rising substance abuse among youth. He said the department is committed to eliminating the drug menace through sustained enforcement and public awareness campaigns. He noted that ganja is primarily cultivated in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Police have not only arrested traffickers but also initiated legal action against plantation owners and middlemen, including those operating in Odisha.
The destruction process was witnessed by Additional SP Sudhakar, Additional SP Belliyappa K.U., DySP Vijayaprasad, Circle Inspectors Vijayaprasad (Karkala) and Ajjath Ali (Kaup), Padubidri Police Station Inspector Shaktivelu, Kaup Police Station Inspector Tejaswi, DCRB Sub-Inspector Gopal Nayak, SOCO personnel, police personnel from various stations, and employees of Ayush Envirotech.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalore Today