In a significant crackdown on narcotics, the Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Unit (ANIU) of Chennai arrested five young men, including three college students, for the possession and sale of methamphetamine. The operation took place on Tuesday in the K K Nagar area of the city.
Tip-Off Leads to Arrest Near Tea Shop
Acting on a specific tip-off, ANIU personnel, in coordination with local K K Nagar police, conducted a raid near a tea shop on Munusamy Road in West K K Nagar. The information suggested that drugs were being sold in the vicinity. The police team intercepted five youths who were loitering in a suspicious manner.
Upon questioning, the individuals provided contradictory answers, prompting the officers to search their belongings. The search led to the recovery of approximately 7.5 grams of methamphetamine, a potent synthetic drug. The suspects were immediately taken into custody.
Profiles of the Accused and Bengaluru Connection
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- P Aravindan, aged 20
- P Christopher, aged 18
- R Manoj, aged 19
- V Mugilan, aged 21
- U Gunachandran, aged 21
During the preliminary investigation, police uncovered that three of the accused are currently enrolled in college programs. Mugilan is a third-year B.Sc student at a private college in Maduravoyal, Christopher is a first-year BBA student in Alandur, and Aravindan is a second-year BA student, also in Maduravoyal.
More alarmingly, the inquiry revealed that the group was sourcing the methamphetamine from a supplier named Habib, based in Bengaluru. They were allegedly distributing the drug to other college students within Chennai, indicating a targeted supply chain.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
A formal case has been registered against the five accused. They were presented before a magistrate court in Chennai and have been remanded to judicial custody. The police have emphasized that the investigation is far from over.
The primary focus now is to trace and dismantle the entire supply network, with special attention on apprehending the Bengaluru-based supplier, Habib. Authorities are working to understand the full extent of this drug ring and its reach among the student community.
This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by Chennai's anti-narcotics wing to combat the spread of synthetic drugs, particularly among the youth. The police have urged the public to come forward with any relevant information to aid in the broader crackdown.
