The Ernakulam Rural police have escalated their fight against drug trafficking, reporting a significant surge in cases and arrests under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. In the first nine months of this year alone, 3,209 cases were registered, leading to the arrest of 3,397 individuals. This marks a substantial increase compared to last year’s figures of 2,037 cases and 2,217 arrests.
Among the cases recorded this year, 18 involved the seizure of commercial quantities of narcotics, with the specific thresholds varying based on the type of substance.
The Persistent Flow of Ganja
The police have confiscated a staggering 475 kg of suspected ganja this year, nearly doubling the 275 kg seized throughout the entirety of last year.
Synthetic drugs also remain a major concern. Authorities seized almost 1 kg of suspected MDMA by September, up from 750 grams last year. This included two separate 200-gram hauls in Angamaly. Other significant seizures include 142 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 2 kg of hashish oil, and 600 grams of heroin.
Notable individual operations this year include the Thadiyittaparambu police’s interception of 90 kg of suspected ganja, resulting in three arrests. The Kalady police made two significant busts, seizing around 60 kg of suspected ganja and apprehending five migrant laborers. In another case, the Nedumbassery police discovered 24 kg of suspected ganja ingeniously hidden inside a bicycle tube. Additionally, 18 kg of suspected ganja was seized in Kuruppampady, and another 12 kg in Perumbavoor.
Routes of Contraband: Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
Investigations reveal that ganja primarily enters Kerala from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Migrant laborers are frequently implicated in these smuggling networks. The street value of ganja in Kerala is dramatically inflated, selling for ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 per kg after being procured for just ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 per kg. While trains are a common mode of transport for peddlers, police noted that three gangs arrested this year opted for luxury cars to transport the illicit substances.
Police attribute the sharp rise in reported cases and seized quantities to enhanced surveillance and more aggressive enforcement strategies. Demonstrating their commitment to curbing drug crime, four repeat offenders have been incarcerated this year under the stringent Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.