Drug peddling bid busted: 2 TN youths arrested in Bengaluru with 2,900 intoxicating tablets

Bengaluru: Acting on a tip-off, the Cottonpet police conducted a raid on a lodge near Shantala Circle and arrested two youths from Tamil Nadu for possessing and attempting to sell a large quantity of psychotropic and intoxicating tablets.The arrested have been identified as Ranjit Kumar alias Ranjit Kannan, 25, and Karthi Nagaraj, 19. According to the complaint filed by sub-inspector Pradeep Kumar HS, information was received at around 5.30pm on June 7 that two suspicious persons carrying a stock of tablets had checked into a lodge near Shantala Circle.A police team, along with scene of crime officers (SOCO), rushed to the lodge at around 6.45pm. They verified the lodge records and confirmed that two men from Coimbatore were staying in room no. G-12. Upon inspection, police found around 1,450 saffron-coloured tablets without any label or identification mark, valued at approximately Rs 14,500, and around 1,500 Nitrazepam Tablets IP (Nitzascen-10), valued at around Rs 6,750, in their room. They also seized a mobile phone allegedly used for communication with sub-peddlers and customers and for transactions. Police also seized eight rolls of black cellophane tape used for packaging the tablets and Rs 580 in cash. Police said the duo did not possess any valid prescription, licence, or documents authorising possession or sale of the seized tablets.During interrogation, the accused reportedly told police that they were working as labourers in Coimbatore and admitted that mounting debts and insufficient income had driven them to seek quick money through illegal means. They claimed to have procured the tablets from another supplier and planned to sell them at higher prices for profit.A senior officer said, “We have major clues about the third suspect. Once we nab him, we will ascertain more details about the network and the source of the tablets.”A case has been registered against the duo under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.BoxNitrazepam is a benzodiazepine medication prescribed by doctors to treat severe insomnia, anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and related conditions. Its side effects include visual problems, depression, low blood pressure, and breathing difficulties. If taken with alcohol, they may lead to coma, a senior officer said.