Coimbatore Police Arrest 52-Year-Old Man for Selling Ganja to College Students

Coimbatore Police Crack Down on Drug Peddling to Students

In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking targeting educational institutions, the Kuniyamuthur police in Coimbatore arrested a 52-year-old man on Thursday for allegedly peddling ganja to college students and other residents in the city. The arrest highlights growing concerns about drug abuse among youth in urban areas.

Details of the Arrest and Seizure

The arrested individual has been identified as A Murugesan, a resident of Kariyannan Gounder Street in Kuniyamuthur. The operation unfolded when a police team, conducting routine patrols near Edayarpalayam in the morning, noticed Murugesan behaving suspiciously near the Mariamman temple. Upon investigation, officers discovered a bag in his possession containing 2.630 kilograms of ganja.

During subsequent interrogations, Murugesan confessed to his illicit activities. He admitted to procuring the ganja from other states and systematically selling it to various individuals, including college students in Coimbatore. This revelation has raised alarms about the penetration of drug networks into academic environments, prompting calls for stricter vigilance.

Legal Actions and Implications

Police have booked Murugesan under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, a stringent law designed to combat drug-related offenses in India. Following the arrest, he was remanded to judicial custody, where he will await further legal proceedings. The case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb drug peddling, particularly in areas frequented by students.

Authorities have emphasized that such arrests are part of a broader strategy to dismantle drug supply chains and protect vulnerable populations from substance abuse. The seizure of a substantial quantity of ganja indicates the scale of the operation and the potential impact on community safety.

Local residents and educational institutions have expressed concern over the incident, urging increased police patrolling and awareness campaigns to prevent drug abuse among students. Experts suggest that collaborative efforts between police, schools, and colleges are essential to address this issue effectively.