Udupi Homestay Raid Leads to Ganja Seizure

On Thursday, a police squad entered the Pracharam Homestay on Old Murgod Road, Udupi, and seized several kilograms of ganja along with related paraphernalia. The raid, conducted during a routine inspection for licensing compliance, was carried out by officers from the Udupi Sub-Divisional Police Office.

The homestay, popular among tourists visiting the coastal district for its beachside lodging, has previously faced scrutiny over its permit status. The seized drugs reportedly all originated from a local cultivation setup linked to an alleged drug network operating in the area, authorities say. The operation was reinforced by intelligence reports that warned of ongoing drug trafficking through hospitality venues.

Local tourism operators expressed concern that the incident could tarnish Udupi’s reputation as a family‑friendly destination. The police have pledged to intensify monitoring of accommodations to deter future illegal activities, while the district administration is reviewing regulatory compliance protocols for lodging establishments. The case is under further investigation, and the seized drugs will be processed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Source: Google News – Udupi.