Ganja trade under guise of fishing channel, youth arrested

THRISSUR: A youth was arrested for selling ganja after luring students through a YouTube channel in the name of training for fishing. Sambar Sanoop aka Sanoop (32), of Menoth Parambil, a native of Polukkara in Poochatti, was nabbed by Thrissur Excise Range Inspector Harinandan with one and a half kg of ganja.

The channel attracts students and youngsters by offering to teach fishing in the Manalipuzha river. Those who arrive in this way will be taken to the Kainoor Chira area in Manalipuzha and first given free ganja. They'll then become regular customers. He sold the ganja in small packets of Rs 500.

He also had more than a dozen modern fishing hook worth thousands. The probe team found evidence that several youths and students from Polukkara and Murkanikkara areas are his regular customers. Excise inspector Harinandan said the list had been prepared and the investigation would be intensified and counseling would be provided to children in need with the help of parents.