38 ganja plants in backyard; two people arrested in Oachira for cultivating ganja

KOLLAM: Two youths have been arrested for cultivating ganja in a backyard in Oachira. The arrested individuals are Manish and Akhil Kumar, natives of Memana. The Excise Department confirmed that Manish is the primary accused, while Akhil Kumar is his accomplice. Authorities seized 38 ganja plants and 10.5 kilograms of ganja during the raid.

Manish, who is also involved in an MDMA case, was found to be operating the ganja plantation. The Excise officials stumbled upon the cultivation while investigating the MDMA case. Upon their arrival, the accused reportedly released foreign-breed dogs to guard the area.

"This is the first time we’ve encountered such a large-scale cannabis cultivation," said C.P. Dileep, the Excise Enforcement Squad Inspector. "The cannabis was grown extensively in the backyard, and the scale of the operation was shocking even for us."

The plants had reached a height of about 40 centimetres. Despite facing resistance, the officers were able to arrest Manish. During the operation, the accused unleashed foreign breed dogs, including a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd, to attempt an attack on the officers. The officers located the ganja plantation and 10.5 kilograms of ganja at Akhil Kumar’s residence, based on the information gathered during Manish's interrogation.