Narcotics Smuggling Operation Uncovered in Karnataka Prison: Marijuana Hidden in Banana Deliveries

The banana sacks were carefully slit open, concealing packets of narcotics inside them.

Bengaluru:

On Friday, authorities conducted a narcotics crackdown at the central prison in Karnataka's Shivamogga, seizing 123 grams of marijuana and numerous cigarettes. The discovery occurred when an auto driver arrived at the central jail claiming to deliver five sacks of bananas allegedly requested by the prison canteen.

After dropping the sacks outside the gate, the driver promptly departed. During a standard inspection, prison security personnel discovered that the banana sacks had been carefully tampered with. Hidden within were packets of marijuana and cigarettes wrapped in gum tape.

A second smuggling attempt was detected simultaneously as prison officials were investigating the initial discovery. An SDA staffer named Satwik, reporting for duty, was found carrying 170 grams of marijuana similarly wrapped in gum tape.

The contraband was hidden beneath Satwik's innerwear. He was immediately detained and handed over to police authorities.

The identical packaging method, timing of events, and location have led officials to believe these discoveries were interconnected parts of a coordinated smuggling operation. The banana sacks likely served as the external drop point, while the SDA staffer may have been the internal courier intended to complete the delivery.

Both incidents were reported to the Tunganagar Police, with formal complaints filed under the Karnataka Prison Act and relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Police have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine whether additional staff members or outside individuals are involved and to establish how long such a network might have been operating.

This incident at the Shivamogga central jail follows recent controversies at Bengaluru Central Prison, where videos emerged showing inmates partying with alcohol inside the facility.

In response to these viral videos, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara announced comprehensive reforms and disciplinary measures.

Parameshwara confirmed that among the five videos that appeared online, three were from 2023 and two from this year. The footage depicted inmates dancing, watching television, consuming alcohol, and using mobile phones.