Kochi city police conducted extensive raids across the city on Wednesday as part of the statewide anti-drug campaign Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt. The operation resulted in the registration of 33 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. A total of 36 individuals, including suspected drug peddlers and users, were arrested during searches carried out at 90 locations. Additionally, seven cases were booked under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
Major Seizure in Thrikkakara
The largest seizure of the day was reported from Kollamkudi Mugal near Thrikkakara, where three youths were taken into custody from an apartment with 437.28 grams of suspected MDMA. The arrested individuals were identified as Arjun Variyath (30) of Kaithakuzhi in Palakkad, Ratheesh Anchampura (33) of Cherkkala in Kasaragod, and Asif Kannoth (36) of Kalamassery.
Raids and Surveillance
The raids were carried out by the district anti-narcotics special action force, led by ACP (narcotics cell) T D Sunilkumar, with support from teams of various police stations. According to a police statement, a dedicated squad has been formed to monitor drug traffickers and users. Educational institutions, luxury hotels, and venues hosting DJ events will remain under close surveillance as part of the ongoing operation.
Operation Launch
Chief Minister V D Satheesan formally launched Operation Toofan in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. Inspector General (Intelligence) Putta Vimaladitya has been designated as the state nodal officer for the initiative.
Man Arrested for Stabbing Grocery Vendor in Kalamassery
In a separate incident, Kalamassery police on Wednesday arrested a 30-year-old man for allegedly stabbing and robbing a 72-year-old grocery shop owner at South Kalamassery on Tuesday evening. The accused, Akhil Sabu of Glass Factory Colony, allegedly attacked Sivashankaran Nair, owner of NS Grocery Shop near Shanthinagar on Kalamassery-Manjummel Road, after asking for items from the shop. Police said the assailant kicked the elderly man from behind, grabbed him by the neck, and stabbed him on the hand, neck, and chest before fleeing with cash kept at the shop. The accused was arrested near Glass Factory Colony. The victim is undergoing treatment at Government Medical College Hospital, Ernakulam. The accused was remanded in judicial custody and lodged in Kakkanad jail.
