In a recent case, Bengaluru's Sadashivanagar police detained a couple in MSR Nagar for cultivating cannabis plants in flower pots on their balcony. The couple, identified as K. Sagar Gurung (37) and his wife, Urmila Kumari (38), are originally from Sikkim and manage a fast-food business on the ground floor of their building. The cannabis plants were reportedly grown alongside decorative plants in two pots, as reported by The New Indian Express.

This unusual discovery came after Urmila posted images and videos on Facebook, highlighting her various plants, including cannabis. Observant followers on her social media recognized the distinctive leaves and reported the posts to local authorities, which led to a formal investigation. Upon reaching the residence, law enforcement officers encountered an unusual situation. A family member reportedly warned Urmila about the police presence, giving her time to remove the cannabis plants and discard them in a dustbin. Nevertheless, the authorities found residual leaves in the pots, confirming the cultivation of cannabis.

During questioning, the couple admitted to growing the plants with the intent to sell them, and the police seized 54 grams of ganja from the residence. The couple's mobile phones were also taken for further analysis to check for signs of broader involvement in drug distribution. Initially, Urmila denied having posted any social media content featuring the plants, but officers later corroborated her October 18 posts that included photos of cannabis.

The Sadashivanagar police subsequently filed a case against the couple under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Although they were taken into custody, they were later released on station bail.

Separately, Bengaluru's Central Crime Branch (CCB) Narcotics Control Unit, in coordination with Customs, conducted a major drug bust valued at ₹21.17 crore at the city's Foreign Post Office. This recent anti-narcotics operation led to the interception of 606 parcels containing an assortment of illegal substances, including hydro ganja, LSD, MDMA crystals, ecstasy tablets, heroin, cocaine, amphetamine, charas, and ganja oil. These shipments had been smuggled from various countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, Thailand, and the Netherlands.

The CCB Narcotics Control Unit, assisted by Customs officials and a canine squad, undertook a comprehensive inspection of over 3,500 suspicious parcels, which ultimately led to the successful identification of these contraband substances. The operation reflects ongoing efforts by local authorities to curb drug trafficking and distribution networks in Bengaluru.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)