Major Drug Busts in Kerala: Police Seize 51kg Ganja, Excise Nabs Heroin Traffickers
In a coordinated crackdown on narcotics, Kerala law enforcement agencies have made significant breakthroughs with multiple arrests and substantial drug seizures across the state. The operations highlight the ongoing battle against drug trafficking networks operating in the region.
Perumbavoor Ganja Seizure: 51kg Confiscated, West Bengal Native Arrested
On Thursday, Thadiyittaparambu police executed a major operation in Perumbavoor Vazhakulam, resulting in the seizure of 51 kilograms of ganja. The contraband was discovered in a house located in Vazhakulam TMJ Nagar following a specific tip-off received by authorities.
Officers reported that the ganja was stored in multiple bags, with some quantities even piled directly on the floor of the premises. During the raid, police also confiscated an electronic scale from the location, indicating the distribution activities taking place there.
The house had been rented under the false pretence of providing accommodation for migrant workers, creating a cover for the illicit operations. Rubel Mulla, a 25-year-old from Murshidabad, West Bengal, was arrested in connection with this seizure. According to police statements, the accused would arrive at the location during nighttime hours, misleading neighbors by claiming that occupants were away at work during daytime.
Excise Department's Heroin Bust: Two Key Traffickers Apprehended
In a separate but equally significant development, the Excise department conducted a raid at 10 PM on Wednesday, leading to the arrest of two key accused involved in heroin trafficking into the district. The North Paravur excise team apprehended Rashidul Islam, 20, from Morigaon district, and Nazeeruddin, 25, from Sonitpur district, both natives of Assam.
The suspects were caught while allegedly transporting 11.63 grams of heroin and 20 grams of ganja intended for sale in the area. From their possession, excise officials seized a digital scale, plastic containers specifically used for transporting heroin, and money believed to have been earned from previous drug sales.
Excise department officials revealed that the arrested individuals were key members of a drug trafficking network operating from Assam to Aluva and Paravur regions. Authorities confirmed that several other members of this network are currently under active surveillance as investigations continue to expand.
Additional Arrest: Thrissur Native Nabbed for Job Fraud Scheme
In an unrelated case, Piravom police on Wednesday arrested Athani Maliyekkal Benny, a 57-year-old Thrissur native, for allegedly defrauding money by promising jobs in the United Kingdom. The arrest followed complaints that Benny had swindled approximately Rs 12 lakh from a young man from Piravom in March 2023.
According to police reports, Benny had been in hiding following his involvement in the case but was eventually tracked down through scientific investigation methods. He was apprehended from his wife's house in Wadakkanchery, ending his evasion from authorities.
Police suspect that more individuals may be involved in this fraudulent scheme. Investigators also revealed that Benny is implicated in 13 separate cases across Kannur and Thrissur districts, indicating a pattern of criminal activity extending beyond the current job fraud allegations.
These simultaneous law enforcement actions demonstrate Kerala's intensified efforts to combat various forms of organized crime, from drug trafficking networks to financial fraud schemes affecting local communities.
