Drug trafficking: 248 people arrested in one week, 242 cases

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Excise Department registered 242 cases in 7 days from September 16 to 22 based on Chief Minister's directive to take strict action to prevent drug trafficking and use. 248 accused were arrested. 60.81 kg of cannabis, 164 cannabis plants, 593 grams of MDMA and 613 grams of methamphetamine were seized. The Additional Excise Commissioner (Enforcement) said that 84 accused in the warrants, including 4 proclaimed offenders in drug cases, have been arrested and produced in courts.

The 'Narcotics Special Drive' will continue till October 5. All offices have a 24-hour control room. A full-time highway patrol team has also been deployed. The excise department has also taken action to monitor criminals. The officials have prepared a data bank (history sheet) of 1997 narcotics offenders involved in narcotic cases and are monitoring them.

The authorities have tightened special surveillance to prevent the sale of intoxicants on school premises and inspections on buses and trains running inter-state services. They have also intensified vehicle inspections at border check posts and intersections.