Mangaluru Customs catches absconder after 23 years in cocaine trafficking case

Mangaluru, Apr 21: Officers of Customs have recently managed to nab an accused involved in the illicit trafficking of cocaine 23 years ago.

One kg of cocaine valued at Rs 35,00,000/- was seized from the accused, identified as B Anas, from a hotel in Mangaluru on February 9, 1994. The accused who was caught trafficking cocaine was later enlarged on bail with certain conditions. After his enlargement, he has been absconding for over two decades.

The Customs officers had been on the lookout for him since then. Reliable sources have been cultivated in the recent past and gathered actionable leads which crystallized in apprehending and arresting of the accused at Udupi. The constant and concerted efforts taken by the officers ultimately yielded the results.

The arrested person was produced before the Principal District and Sessions Judge K.S. Bilagi who remanded him to judicial custody. Udayanad, Special Public Prosecutor is representing the department and providing necessary guidance.