In a significant move to curb illicit drug activities, local authorities in Kozhikode district have teamed up with the police to relaunch joint inspections of private residences occupied by migrant workers. This intensified effort comes after a surge of confidential complaints regarding substance abuse and drug trafficking within the migrant community. It marks a broader campaign targeting the intricate drug networks believed to be operating in these areas.
Official sources reveal that numerous surprise inspections are underway, primarily in rural parts of the district where large populations of migrant workers reside. These operations were initiated in response to serious concerns about the safety of women and children, articulated in complaints submitted by various local residents’ forums and community organizations to their respective grama panchayats.
Police officials have confirmed suspicions that some migrant workers are implicated as drug couriers, allegedly leveraging their connections in their home states to transport illicit substances like ganja and MDMA into Kozhikode. “These drugs are then reportedly distributed among fellow workers and, in certain instances, sold to local buyers. We also suspect collaboration with drug trafficking organizations in neighboring states,” police sources stated.
A sub-inspector from Thiruvambady emphasized that “this ongoing operation is a crucial part of a comprehensive initiative to verify the identity and background of all migrant workers entering the district.” The goal is to ensure community safety and legal compliance.
“Acting on valuable intelligence from civic groups, enforcement teams are specifically targeting accommodations believed to be used for storing smuggled narcotics. Raids are executed without prior notice to prevent any attempt to destroy or remove crucial evidence,” explained a police officer involved in a recent raid in the Kozhikode uplands. He clarified that these efforts are not intended to target migrant workers indiscriminately, but rather to identify and apprehend individuals who exploit their status as labourers to engage in illegal drug activities.
Adarsh Joseph, President of Koodranahi grama panchayat, reported that 15 buildings were inspected during the flash raids over the past two days within his panchayat. “We plan to cover an additional 20 buildings in the coming days, as our squads have already seized substantial quantities of trafficked drugs. These inspections will continue as long as necessary,” he affirmed.