In a significant crackdown on narcotics, Chennai police apprehended eight individuals, including a college student, during coordinated raids in the Triplicane area on Thursday. The operation led to the seizure of a substantial quantity of methamphetamine and cannabis.
Tip-Off Leads to Major Anti-Drug Operation
The arrests were initiated following specific intelligence received by the Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Unit (ANIU) regarding rampant drug sales in the vicinity of Bells Road and Victoria Hostel Road. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, ANIU teams collaborated with the local Triplicane police to launch a surveillance and interception mission.
First Raid Near Bells Road Nets Five
In the initial operation conducted near Bells Road, law enforcement officials detained five suspects. Those arrested were identified as Sarukesh (21), Roshanraj (21), Rafi Jak (26), Hari Kannan (25), and a juvenile who is currently enrolled at a city college. From this group, the police confiscated 8.5 grams of methamphetamine, 600 grams of ganja (cannabis), and ₹1,070 in cash.
Second Operation on Chepauk-Victoria Hostel Road
In a simultaneous and separate action on Chepauk–Victoria Hostel Road, the police team arrested three more individuals. They were named as Nitish Kumar (24), Pramod Madhavan (24), and Rayan (23). This raid resulted in the recovery of an additional 5 grams of methamphetamine and 500 grams of ganja.
Funding Through Motorcycle Thefts Revealed
During subsequent interrogation, the suspects disclosed a disturbing method used to finance their illicit drug trade. They admitted to stealing parked motorcycles from residential areas in Tambaram and nearby localities. These stolen vehicles were then allegedly transported to Bengaluru and sold off using forged registration documents, generating capital for their narcotics business.
The successful operations underscore the continued vigilance of Chennai's anti-narcotics wing and local police in combating the drug menace within the city. The total haul from both raids amounted to 14 grams of methamphetamine and 1.1 kilograms of ganja.
