Udupi: Police have arrested a man who had earlier been externed from the district for allegedly possessing narcotic substances and violating the externment order, officials said.
The accused, identified as Faizal, is a resident of Banglagudde Kasaba in Karkala. He had been externed from Udupi district under orders issued by the Special Executive Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police.
According to police, personnel from the Malpe Police Station traced Faizal within their jurisdiction and attempted to enforce the externment order near the Hoode Nagabrahma Babbuswamy Daivasthana.
On spotting the police team, the accused allegedly tried to flee by reversing his car abruptly. In the process, the vehicle crashed into a roadside coconut tree. He then abandoned the vehicle at the spot and escaped.
A case was registered at Malpe Police Station following the incident. During a subsequent inspection (mahazar) of the abandoned vehicle, police recovered 173.42 grams of ganja along with two mobile phones.
The seized items were taken into custody as part of the investigation.
Investigations revealed that Faizal, along with another accused, had allegedly stored the narcotic substance with the intention of selling it. Based on these findings, a separate case was registered under relevant provisions of law at Malpe Police Station.
Police officials stated that further investigation is underway to identify other individuals involved and to trace the source and distribution network of the narcotics.
Following the incident, Faizal was later apprehended by the Karkala Town Police Sub-Inspector. He was subsequently produced before a court for further legal proceedings.
The arrest highlights continued efforts by Udupi police to enforce externment orders and curb illegal drug activities in the region. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on narcotics-related offences and ensuring public safety.