In a significant crackdown ahead of the New Year festivities, the Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Unit (ANIU) of Chennai apprehended six individuals in two separate operations on Wednesday. The arrests targeted the possession and intended sale of banned narcotic substances, with one of the accused being a college student.
Tiruvottiyur Bust: Student and Mechanics Held
The first operation unfolded near the Tiruvottiyur railway station, where a special ANIU team, along with local police personnel, was conducting surveillance. The authorities spotted and subsequently arrested three young men found with illegal drugs.
The police identified the trio as Darshan (19), Bharathkumar (20), and Sudhakar (20). In a concerning detail, Darshan is a third-year student at a private college. Bharathkumar works as a two-wheeler mechanic, while Sudhakar is employed as a truck mechanic.
From them, the law enforcement officials confiscated 4 grams of methamphetamine, 100 grams of ganja, three mobile phones, and a weighing machine. Following their arrest, all three were remanded to judicial custody.
Mylapore Operation: AC Mechanic, Driver Among Trio Nabbed
In a simultaneous sting in the Mylapore area, the ANIU netted another three persons. Acting on a tip-off, a team from the unit along with Mylapore police station personnel kept a watch on Karaneeswarar Temple Street. They caught the accused allegedly concealing drugs meant for sale.
The arrested individuals were named as Harish (29) from Mylapore, Vasanthakumar (27) from Dharmapuram, and Sai Sreecharan (28) from T Nagar. Harish works as an AC mechanic, Vasanthakumar is a driver, and Sai Sreecharan is employed with a private firm.
The seizure from this group was more varied and substantial. The police recovered 3 grams of methamphetamine, 17 grams of OG ganja, one LSD stamp, 16 MDMA tablets, four mobile phones, and a two-wheeler. This trio was also sent to judicial custody on Wednesday.
A Clear Message Ahead of Celebrations
These coordinated pre-New Year operations underscore a heightened vigil by Chennai's anti-drug agencies. The arrests of individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, including a student and skilled workers, highlight the pervasive reach of the narcotics trade.
The ANIU's successful busts, resulting in significant seizures of synthetic drugs like methamphetamine, MDMA, and LSD alongside traditional ganja, send a strong deterrent message. The police have made it clear that they are actively monitoring and will act against any attempt to peddle or consume banned substances, especially during the holiday season.
