Coimbatore Police Launch Major Anti-Drug Operation, Arrest 26 in Surprise Raids
In a significant crackdown on narcotics and illegal activities, the Coimbatore rural police conducted extensive surprise raids on Sunday, resulting in the arrest of at least 26 individuals, including five college students. The operation, aimed at making Coimbatore a drug-free district, led to the seizure of substantial quantities of drugs, deadly weapons, and vehicles without proper documentation.
Massive Police Mobilization and Strategic Planning
More than 300 police personnel were deployed in the early hours of the day to carry out raids at 120 different locations across the district. The operation was meticulously planned under the leadership of District Superintendent of Police Dr. K. Karthikeyan, who formed 51 special teams supervised by two deputy superintendents of police. The focus of the raids was primarily on private hostels and rental houses occupied by college students and bachelors within the jurisdictions of the K.G. Chavadi, Chettipalayam, and Madukkarai police stations.
Substantial Seizures and Arrests Made
During the intensive searches, police confiscated a variety of illicit substances and items, including:
- 10.35 grams of methamphetamine
- 4 kilograms of ganja (marijuana)
- 2 kilograms of ganja-infused chocolates
- 50 milliliters of ganja oil
- 22 two-wheelers lacking proper documentation
- Various weapons such as knives and machetes
All 26 arrested individuals, including the five college students, have been charged with drug possession. Cases have been formally registered against them, and further investigations are currently underway to uncover additional details and potential connections.
Targeted Operations Yield Specific Results
In addition to the broader raids, vehicle checks were conducted within the Chettipalayam police limits, leading to the arrest of four suspected drug peddlers. One notable incident involved the arrest of two youths, R. Gokul, 20, from Dindigul district, and R. Yogeshwaran, 19, a student at a private college in Kinathukkadavu. They were apprehended while transporting 1.5 kilograms of ganja and 35 ganja chocolates on a two-wheeler near Othakkalmandapam.
Another targeted operation based on a specific tip led police to search a rental house at Vinayaga Garden near Malumichampatty. From this location, authorities seized methamphetamine and ganja, arresting the occupants, V. Athithya, 22, from Sivaganga district, and R. Boobalan, 19, an engineering student from Thanjavur. Both individuals have been placed in judicial custody and lodged in jail.
Police Commitment to Curbing Drug Menace
District Superintendent of Police Dr. K. Karthikeyan emphasized the ongoing efforts of the rural police to combat drug use in Coimbatore. "Drug peddlers often target college students and utilize rental rooms and houses to conduct their illegal operations. We are continuously monitoring such locations and conducting frequent raids to disrupt these activities. Stringent legal action is being taken against all individuals involved in drug peddling," he stated.
Dr. Karthikeyan also urged the public to play an active role in maintaining a drug-free society by alerting the police about any known instances of drug sales. This collaborative approach is seen as crucial in the broader strategy to eliminate narcotics from the district and protect vulnerable populations, particularly students, from the dangers of substance abuse.
