Cannabis-infused candies seized from school students in Kottayam; nine minors taken into custody

KOTTAYAM: Nine students aged 14, 15 and 16 have been taken into custody for allegedly regularly consuming candies made with cannabis extract. The students were caught in separate cases following a three-month investigation, during which cannabis-infused candies were seized from them. They have since been admitted to a de-addiction centre.

The investigation began three months ago after Excise officials recovered 194 grams of suspected cannabis-infused candies from Rishikesh Singh, a native of Uttar Pradesh, under suspicious circumstances. A forensic examination later confirmed the presence of cannabis in the candies.

Excise officials initially focused their investigation on Rishikesh but were unable to gather significant information. However, an examination of his phone records revealed that many of his callers were students. Officials found that a packet containing 40 candies was sold for Rs 200. Each candy weighed around five grams and reportedly had a mixed bitter-sweet taste.

Excise officials said 974 grams of cannabis-infused candies were seized from students in Kottayam district alone. When questioned, a 15-year-old student reportedly said that consuming the candy made him laugh uncontrollably. The Excise department also found that some children had developed depression-related problems.

A few days ago, a college trip in Kottayam was cancelled following an incident linked to the consumption of cannabis-infused candies. A student collapsed during the trip, prompting an investigation by the college authorities. The inquiry found that some students had consumed the candies. The matter was subsequently reported to the Excise Department, which seized more cannabis-infused candies from the students. The students reportedly told officials that they had obtained the candies from a migrant worker. Following the incident, the college cancelled the trip and returned.