Mandrem Police Arrest Kerala Native with Hydroponic Ganja Worth ₹5 Lakh; Separate Arrest in Mobile Theft Case
Mandrem Police Arrest Kerala Native with Hydroponic Ganja Worth ₹5 Lakh; Separate Arrest in Mobile Theft Case
Mandrem : In a major crackdown on narcotics in North Goa, the Mandrem Police have arrested a Kerala native for possession of illegal drugs. The arrest was made during a late-night raid conducted at the Arambol Fish Market on 27 May 2025.
Acting on specific intelligence, a team from Mandrem Police Station led by PSI Jaydeep Palyekar, along with two panchas, carried out a narcotics raid between 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM. During the operation, the police apprehended Mr. Afsal Puthiyaveettil, aged 33, a resident of Morjim, originally from Thrissur district in Kerala.
The accused was found in illegal possession of 49.78 grams of hydroponic ganja (greenish colour fruiting tops and buds), estimated to be worth ₹5,00,000/- in the illicit market. Along with the contraband, police seized a Samsung Galaxy A-12 mobile phone with dual SIM cards (Jio and Airtel), which may assist in further investigation.
The case has been registered under Mandrem PS Crime No. 57/2025 under Section 20(b)(ii)(A) of the NDPS Act, 1985. The accused was placed under arrest at 11:45 PM, following all guidelines issued by the Supreme Court. His family members have been duly informed about the arrest. The case is now being further investigated by LPSI Archana Sharma of Mandrem Police Station.
Separate Case: Pernem Police Recover Stolen Mobiles Worth ₹3.5 Lakh
In a separate operation, Pernem Police arrested an individual involved in multiple mobile phone thefts. During the investigation, police recovered five stolen mobile phones, including two high-end iPhones, with an estimated total value of approximately ₹3,50,000/-.
The accused is currently in custody and is being interrogated for possible links to a broader mobile theft racket operating in the region.
Goa Police continues to intensify its vigilance against narcotics and theft-related crimes, ensuring safer communities across the state.
