Greater Chennai Police (GCP) made significant progress in their crackdown on drug trafficking with the arrest of R. Arun, a 40-year-old son of Tamil Nadu’s former Director General of Police, Ravindranath. Arun, along with his accomplices S. Megalan (42) and John Ezi (39), a Nigerian national, was apprehended on Thursday in Nandambakkam for the alleged possession and trafficking of cocaine.
The police seized 3.8 grams of cocaine, Rs 1.02 lakh in cash, and two mobile phones from the trio. This arrest is part of GCP’s larger effort to dismantle drug syndicates, especially those trafficking synthetic drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine. In total, the GCP has seized 1.5 kg of methamphetamine in related operations.
The recent arrests are the result of extensive work by the newly established Anti-Drug Intelligence Unit (ADIU), which has been investigating various drug suppliers and syndicates over the past two months. According to sources, the ADIU has targeted networks trafficking drugs from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh to Chennai, where they are distributed locally. More seizures and arrests are expected in the coming days.
In addition to these arrests, the GCP has also uncovered a methamphetamine production lab in Chennai. Several individuals were arrested for their involvement in manufacturing meth, including Fleming Francis, Praveen Pranav, and Kishore. The lab was found to be producing meth at a rented house in Kodungaiyur. Authorities seized 245 grams of methamphetamine during the raid.
The police’s continued efforts are a part of the Tamil Nadu state government’s initiative for a drug-free Tamil Nadu. Several arrested individuals have been tested for drug consumption, and it was confirmed that some, including Siddharth and Fleming Francis, had tested positive.
According to the Enforcement Bureau-CID of Tamil Nadu Police, a significant amount of illegal drugs has been seized this year, including 65 kg of methamphetamine, 145 kg of ephedrine (a precursor chemical), 9 kg of methaqualone, and over 1.23 lakh tablets. The police’s ongoing investigation into these drug syndicates is expected to yield further arrests and a crackdown on the larger trafficking network.
