Udupi: Seven arrested, including woman, for illegal drug sales at homestay

Udupi: Seven arrested, including woman, for illegal drug sales at homestay

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Jun 20, 2026: Malpe police have arrested seven persons, including a woman, in connection with the illegal sale of narcotic substances from Vishram Homestay at Thottam in Tenkanidiyoor village following a raid conducted on Thursday.

Acting on credible information that drugs were being stored and supplied to the public, police carried out the operation under the guidance of the Udupi Sub-Division Deputy Superintendent of Police and the Malpe Circle Inspector. The raid was led by PSI Anil Kumar D., PSI Gangappa S., and other police personnel.

Those arrested have been identified as FM Nazil (31), Mohammed Azaruddin (42), Mohammed Afnan (19), Vignesh (35), homestay owner Dhanvan Rikit (36), employee Basavaraj (36), and Geetanjali Jena (44). Preliminary tests revealed that Nazil, Azaruddin, Afnan, and Vignesh had consumed narcotic substances.

During a search conducted in the presence of witnesses, police seized 33.81 grams of ganja worth approximately ₹3,000, 9.73 grams of MDMA valued at around ₹20,000, five mobile phones, and other materials.

Police said that Vishram Homestay had continued to operate illegally despite previous notices issued by the Malpe police and the Tourism Department regarding unauthorized activities.

A case has been registered at Malpe Police Station. The seven accused have been taken into custody and will be produced before the court for further legal proceedings, police said.