Mangaluru: CCB seizes Rs 5.20 crore worth MDMA, arrests two in major drug bust

Mangaluru: CCB seizes Rs 5.20 crore worth MDMA, arrests two in major drug bust

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jul 16, 2026: In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, the Mangaluru City Crime Branch (CCB) police arrested two men in Bagalkote district and seized 5.196 kg of MDMA worth approximately Rs 5.20 crore, Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said on Thursday.

Addressing a press conference at the Police Commissioner’s office, Reddy said the accused were allegedly preparing to supply the narcotic to Mangaluru, Bengaluru, and neighbouring Kerala, exposing a major interstate drug trafficking network.

The arrested have been identified as Mohammed Alphaz (28), a resident of Indabettu in Belthangady taluk, and Mohammed Mustafa (28), a resident of Halepete, Laila Vivekananda Nagar in Ujire.

The Commissioner said the police have been continuously intensifying their anti-drug operations as part of the drive to make Mangaluru drug-free. Around 15 days ago, CCB officers had arrested a drug peddler identified as Annapa Swamy and seized 15 grams of MDMA from him. The subsequent investigation led police to the larger supply network.

Acting on specific intelligence, the CCB tracked the accused, who had allegedly procured the MDMA in Delhi and were transporting it to Bengaluru. They were arrested during a raid at Royal Inn Lodge on the National Highway at Hunagunda in Bagalkote district. Police also seized a bag and mobile phones from their possession.

Police records show that Mohammed Alphaz was previously booked in 2024 at Konaje Police Station and in 2026 at Urwa Police Station in connection with MDMA trafficking.

Commissioner Reddy said several others are believed to be involved in the drug racket, and the investigation is continuing to identify and apprehend the remaining members of the network.

Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Dr Arun Kumar and Deputy Commissioners of Police Ravishankar and Mithun were also present at the press conference.