In a significant crackdown on the illegal drug trade, Saravanampatti police in Coimbatore arrested seven youths, including six college students, on Friday for illegal possession of marijuana with the intent to sell. Police seized one kilogram of ganja, seven mobile phones, and a knife from the accused.
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
P Mathesh
S Sanjay Kumar
S Hari Narayanan
C Aditya
U Dushyanth
S Naveen
K Dinesh
The six students were enrolled in a private arts and science college at Nava India in Coimbatore. K Dinesh, a former resident of Ramanathapuram, had a criminal background with a murder case, three attempted murder charges, and a ganja case already registered against him in his home district.
According to police, Dinesh became acquainted with the students while staying in Coimbatore. The group frequently traveled to Theni district, purchasing ganja from local dealers during what they called “long trips.” Afterward, they returned to Coimbatore and sold the drugs to fellow students at the same college.
The gang was exposed after one of the accused, S Sanjay Kumar, attempted to cover the registration plate of his motorcycle with cloth while traveling. Police tracked him down and apprehended him late on Thursday evening. Following a detailed investigation, the remaining six were arrested, including the students and Dinesh.
Dr. R Stalin, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North), confirmed the arrests and stated that the gang’s operations were a major concern for local law enforcement. The police investigation into the case continues, with authorities seeking to identify other potential buyers and suppliers connected to this group.
This arrest highlights the growing concern of illegal drug use in educational institutions and the need for tighter monitoring and preventive measures against the drug trade in Coimbatore.