Mysore/Mysuru: Even as the Police continue their widespread crackdown on drug networks, a ganja peddler was found operating brazenly just steps away from the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) office.

The City Crime Branch (CCB) arrested Irfan Pasha alias Batana (31), a resident of Mandi Mohalla, who was allegedly transporting ganja near Ashoka Road, West 21st Cross, close to Kantharaj Park.

At around 3.40 pm on Wednesday, CCB personnel spotted Irfan standing with a suspicious-looking cover in hand. CCB sleuth Raju, who recognised the accused from earlier cases, approached him for questioning.

Irfan attempted to flee, which further raised suspicions. Upon inspecting the cover, officers found approximately 860 grams of ganja.

CCB Inspector Shabbir Hussain was immediately informed and rushed to the scene along with Sub-Inspector Lepaksha and Head Constable Madhu Kumar. Following proper protocol, the contraband was seized in the presence of witnesses and the accused was taken into custody.

The incident occurred just 100 metres from both the ACP office and the CCB headquarters, underscoring the audacity of the operation. A case has been registered at the Mandi Mohalla Police Station and further investigation is underway.