Bengaluru Couple Arrested for Growing Ganja on Balcony, Authorities Uncover Larger Drug Network

Bengaluru :  In a bizarre turn of events, a Bengaluru couple was arrested for cultivating ganja in flower pots on their balcony, with the authorities uncovering further involvement in illegal drug activities. The couple, identified as K. Sagar Gurung (37) and Urmila Kumari (38), both hailing from Sikkim, had been growing the cannabis plants in plain sight among their decorative foliage. The couple runs a fast-food outlet in the MSR Nagar area, which had otherwise appeared to be a regular small business.

The couple’s activities came to light after Urmila posted photos and videos of their balcony garden on Facebook, showing off the green plants. One of her followers recognized the ganja plants and alerted the authorities, leading to a police investigation.

When the police raided their residence, the couple initially denied cultivating the plants. However, investigators found traces of ganja in a dustbin where the couple had reportedly discarded the plants in an attempt to hide them after being tipped off by a relative about the impending police raid.

During the interrogation, the couple confessed to growing the ganja plants with the intent to sell them for profit. The police recovered 54 grams of ganja and confiscated their mobile phones for further investigation. Authorities are continuing to probe the couple’s involvement in potential drug distribution networks. Investigators are examining their mobile phones and social media accounts to gather more details about the couple’s operations and determine whether they were part of a larger drug trafficking network.

The couple has been granted station bail, but charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act have been filed against them. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the case.

This arrest comes at a time of heightened vigilance against drug-related crimes in the city. Just days earlier, Bengaluru’s Central Crime Branch (CCB) Narcotics Control Unit, in collaboration with Customs officials, intercepted a major drug shipment at the city’s Foreign Post Office. The operation, which involved inspecting over 3,500 suspicious parcels, resulted in the seizure of 606 parcels containing a variety of illegal substances worth ₹21.17 crore. Among the seized drugs were hydro ganja, LSD, ecstasy tablets, heroin, cocaine, and MDMA crystals, highlighting the growing international scope of the drug trade.

The raids and arrests signal a stern crackdown on drug cultivation and distribution in the city. Authorities are determined to curb the rise in narcotics-related activities and send a strong message to potential offenders. The recent operations emphasize the need for continued vigilance in safeguarding the community from the growing threat of illegal drug trafficking.

As the investigation into the Bengaluru couple deepens, it serves as a reminder of the serious legal consequences for those involved in the cultivation or distribution of illicit drugs, and the ever-growing role of social media in aiding authorities in tracking down criminals.