In a significant anti-narcotics operation, the Narcotic Intelligence Bureau (NIB) unit in Trichy intercepted a large consignment of cannabis, exposing a sophisticated smuggling method. The police team successfully confiscated a massive 153 kilograms of ganja cleverly concealed within a secret compartment of a multi-utility vehicle (MUV).
Operation Based on Specific Intelligence
The breakthrough came after the NIB team received a credible tip-off regarding the transportation of ganja via a car on the busy Chennai-Trichy National Highway. Acting swiftly on this information, the officers set up a vehicular inspection near Irungalur, close to Samayapuram, on Friday night.
Their vigilance paid off when they stopped a suspicious MUV that was heading towards Trichy city. A preliminary check revealed the vehicle to be empty, raising no immediate alarms. However, relying on their specific input, the determined police personnel decided to probe deeper.
The Discovery of the Hidden Chamber
The officers meticulously examined the vehicle and discovered a cunningly built secret compartment beneath the floor. Upon opening it, they uncovered 92 bundles of high-quality ganja, neatly packed and stored away from plain sight. The total weight of the seized contraband was a staggering 153 kilograms, with an estimated street value of ₹16 lakh.
Following the seizure, the police immediately arrested the two individuals inside the vehicle. The accused were identified as S Sundar from Madurai district and R Manikumar from Tirupur district. Both men were subsequently remanded to judicial custody as the investigation continues.
New Smuggling Trend and Source Revealed
During interrogation, it was revealed that the ganja was procured from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The consignment was en route to Trichy, where it was intended to be distributed to various locations across the state.
A police source highlighted a worrying new trend adopted by smugglers. "Superficially, the vehicle may appear empty. So, secret chambers in private vehicles are a new method to smuggle ganja," the source stated. This method involves modifying private vehicles to create hidden cavities, allowing traffickers to transport large quantities of drugs across state borders by road while evading routine checks.
The successful operation by the Trichy NIB underscores the ongoing challenges in combating drug trafficking and the evolving tactics employed by smuggling networks. It also serves as a warning that law enforcement agencies are adapting and responding effectively to such clandestine methods.
