Major Drug Bust in Coimbatore: Police Seize 20kg of Ganja, Arrest Five Peddlers
In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Coimbatore city police executed two separate operations on Wednesday, resulting in the seizure of 20 kilograms of ganja and the arrest of five men accused of peddling the illegal substance. The coordinated efforts highlight the police's intensified focus on combating drug distribution networks within the city.
First Incident: 12kg Seizure Near Gandhipuram
The initial bust occurred late Wednesday night when the Kattoor police, conducting a routine vehicle inspection near Gandhipuram, intercepted a motorcycle carrying three individuals. Acting on suspicion, officers searched a bag in their possession and discovered 12 kilograms of ganja. The arrested individuals were identified as R Sabarishwaran, 28, from Madurai, along with J Akash, 20, and S Suresh, 18, both residents of Puliyakulam.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed that Sabarishwaran had procured the substantial quantity of ganja from Andhra Pradesh. Their intended plan was to distribute the contraband to college students and other buyers in Coimbatore, with Akash and Suresh assisting in the sales operations. This revelation underscores the targeted exploitation of youth by drug peddlers in the region.
Second Incident: 8kg Seizure in Chinniyampalayam
In a parallel operation, the prohibition enforcement wing of the Coimbatore city police acted on specific intelligence regarding ganja sales. Officers conducted a search near Chinniyampalayam, where they encountered two men behaving suspiciously. Upon further investigation, it was confirmed that both individuals were actively involved in drug peddling activities.
The police seized 8 kilograms of ganja from the duo, identified as R Rajendra Kumar Mohanty, 36, from Karumathampatti, and T Gunjan Kumar, 20, from Mylampatty. This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing in disrupting local drug supply chains.
Legal Proceedings and Custody
Following the arrests, all five accused were presented before a judicial magistrate and subsequently remanded to judicial custody. The police have registered cases under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, with further investigations underway to uncover potential links to larger drug syndicates.
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in curbing drug abuse, particularly among vulnerable populations like students. The Coimbatore police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining vigilance and conducting regular checks to deter such illegal activities. Authorities urge the public to report any suspicious behavior related to drug peddling to help create a safer community environment.
