In a significant bust, Bengaluru police have apprehended a local tattoo artist for his alleged involvement in a large-scale drug trafficking network. Rakshith Ramesh Melappanavar, a resident of Chokkananahalli, was arrested following a raid by the Central Crime Branch (CCB), during which authorities seized drugs worth an estimated ₹2 crore, cleverly camouflaged as cookies.

The arrest was made last week after the CCB received reliable intelligence about Melappanavar’s connection to an organized narcotics ring. According to Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda, the Anti-Narcotics Wing discovered 3.5 grams of hydro ganja, 130 grams of charas, 40 LSD strips, and 2.3 grams of MDMA during the raid at his residence.

Investigations have uncovered Melappanavar’s involvement in an international drug trafficking network, with substances reportedly smuggled from Thailand and Malaysia disguised as biscuits. The shipments, transported via sea routes, were allegedly coordinated by an accomplice operating from another state. Authorities also suspect the network sourced additional drugs from domestic hubs such as Goa, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana.

Police believe that Melappanavar was stockpiling the drugs to cater to increased demand during the New Year festivities, with plans to distribute the contraband at celebrations in Goa. His tattoo business, investigators revealed, was used as a front to broaden his client base, offering delivery services to attract more customers.

Melappanavar, who is said to be a novice in the narcotics trade, reportedly received guidance from a key associate still at large. The tattoo artist was arrested before he could execute his plans for Goa. He has been remanded to police custody by a local court, while the authorities continue their efforts to apprehend his accomplice and dismantle the larger network.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)