In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Central Intelligence Unit of the Enforcement Bureau Police in Chennai seized 2 kilograms of cocaine valued at Rs 6 crore, leading to the arrest of eight individuals linked to a sophisticated drug network.
The operation, based on credible intelligence inputs, spanned two key locations in the city—St. Thomas Mount and Koyambedu—where authorities apprehended five suspects, all natives of Keelakarai in Ramanathapuram district, with 1 kilogram of cocaine in the former location. Interrogations revealed their association with three additional accomplices operating from Koyambedu.
Investigators identified Mahendran, a forest guard posted in Sayalgudi, as the prime accused. Mahendran allegedly received one kilogram of the narcotic from Pandi, a waste collector who claimed to have discovered the cocaine along the Ramanathapuram seashore during routine waste collection. Another accused, Palaneeswaran, also reported finding 1 kilogram of cocaine washed ashore in a similar manner.
Further inquiry revealed Kasim as the mastermind behind the plan to sell the drugs in Chennai for a lump sum payment. He was assisted by Mohamed Mubarak, Edward Sam, Mohamad Idris, and Kaja Mohaideen, who were all taken into custody.
Police also seized a car and five mobile phones during the raids, which are being examined for further leads. The Enforcement Bureau has intensified efforts to dismantle coastal and urban drug smuggling operations as part of a broader anti-narcotics campaign in Tamil Nadu.
Authorities continue to investigate the origins of the seized drugs and any additional individuals involved in the network.
