Mangaluru, Aug 01 (PTI): Mangaluru City Crime Branch in a major crackdown on narcotics smuggling, with three individuals arrested for allegedly transporting the contraband from Andhra Pradesh.

Acting on a tip-off, CCB officials intercepted two cars near Mathadakere in Kantavar Cross, located in Beluvai village of Moodbidri taluk, Dakshina Kannada district, on Thursday.

The contraband was reportedly being smuggled across state borders, they said.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Masood M K (45), Mohammed Ashiq (24), and Subair (30), all residents of Kasaragod district in Kerala, officials added.

In addition to the cannabis, officials also seized two vehicles—one registered in Karnataka and the other in Kerala—and five mobile phones. The total value of the seized goods is estimated at Rs 46.2 lakh.

A case has been registered at the Moodbidri police station under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The operation is part of an ongoing effort to dismantle interstate narcotics networks. Investigations are underway to trace the origin and supply chain of the seized contraband, officials added.

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Bengaluru (PTI): A complaint has been lodged against a city-based dermatologist for allegedly spreading misinformation about Nandini milk products on social media and misleading the public, police said on Thursday.

The complaint was lodged by Padmavathi R, an officer of the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), which owns the popular Nandini brand, seeking legal action against Dr Sharanya Padma.

In her complaint, Padmavathi stated that Padma had uploaded reels on February 8 claiming that "Nandini products such as cream bun, strawberry-flavoured milk and other beverages are toxic and contain chemicals, and consuming them daily could lead to autoimmune diseases and serious health issues. Long-term consumption will definitely result in cancer in the future."

According to the complaint, the doctor also alleged that strawberry-flavoured milk "does not contain natural strawberries but is prepared by adding artificial colours and preservatives," and questioned how the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had granted permission for the manufacture of such products.

She further claimed in the reel that consuming these products would damage health and that KMF, being a government company, was producing and marketing them for profit.

The complaint quoted her as stating that "these products are not real food but poisonous in nature and KMF should not release such products into the market."

Padmavathi stated that baseless allegations about certain Nandini brand products were being made on social media and that such "false propaganda" had created unnecessary confusion among crores of consumers who had grown up with the brand since childhood.

In a press release issued on February 18, KMF clarified that it strictly adheres to all food safety standards and approved procedures prescribed by statutory authorities and FSSAI. It assured that all Nandini milk and milk products are completely safe for consumption and that consumers need not panic.

The Federation also "strongly condemned such baseless, misleading and brand-defaming statements" and said it was committed to taking legal action against those involved in such malicious acts.

Based on the complaint, police are examining the matter and further action is likely in accordance with law.

There was no immediate reaction from Dr Padma.