Seven arrested in raid on homestay in Malpe; MDMA and ganja seized

Malpe: Police have arrested seven people for allegedly possessing and consuming narcotic substances at a homestay in Tenkanidiyur village near Malpe.

The accused have been identified as Nazil (31) of Hode, Azharuddin (42) of Shirva Manchakal, Afnan (19), Vignesh (35) of Lakshminagar in Tenkanidiyur, Basavaraju (36), a Nepal native, Dhanwat Rikith (36) of Perampalli, and Geethajamlini Jinah (44) of Odisha.

According to police, the arrests were made during a raid conducted at Vishram Homestay near Thottam Church based on a tip-off.

A team led by officers from Malpe Police Station raided the premises and allegedly found Nazil, Azharuddin, Afnan and Vignesh consuming drugs inside a room.

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

Investigators alleged that despite notices issued by the police and the Tourism Department against operating an unauthorised homestay, owner Dhanwat Rikith and staff member Basavaraju continued to run the facility and allowed illegal activities on the premises.

All seven accused have been produced before a court. A case has been registered at Malpe Police Station in this regard.