In a continued crackdown on drug peddling and gambling operations, Belagavi city police have arrested nine individuals involved in the consumption and sale of ganja and heroin over the past two days. The operation led to the seizure of narcotics valued at ₹1.1 lakh.
In four separate cases, Marihal police detained Vinut Konnur and Suraj Hindalgekar while they were allegedly selling ganja near Mutaga village in Belagavi taluk. Officers seized 1.3 kg of ganja and other substances worth ₹55,000 from them.
Khadebazar police arrested Harsha Verma, Prajwal Navagekar, and Utkarsh Verma for selling narcotics near the Sardar High School ground in the city. A total of 1.1 kg of ganja worth ₹24,000 was recovered from their possession.
In another case, Market police apprehended Harshal Gurav near the old Bhaji Market with 302 grams of ganja worth ₹3,000.
Additionally, Darshan Gawade was arrested near the Belagavi Central Bus Stand after he was found behaving erratically under the influence of drugs. A medical examination confirmed drug consumption. A case has been registered against him, and legal proceedings are underway, police said.
Public representatives, including MP Iranna Kadadi, have repeatedly raised concerns in district-level meetings about an active drug trafficking network operating across Belagavi city and district. They have criticised law enforcement for not taking adequate action until now.
