Major Drug Seizure in Ernakulam: 14 Kg Ganja Recovered
In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking in Kerala, police in Ernakulam Rural district intercepted a vehicle carrying 14 kilograms of suspected ganja and arrested two men. The operation, led by the Ernakulam Rural District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force and Perumbavoor police, took place on Monday after a tip-off was received by District Police Chief M. Hemalatha.
Chase Leads to Arrest at Chelamattom
According to police reports, the suspects, identified as Santhosh, 36, from Tiruppur, and Ratheesh Ayyappan, 45, from Palakkad, attempted to evade capture by speeding into a side road in Chelamattom. Officers gave chase and successfully apprehended the duo. The suspects were driving a mini pick-up van, allegedly being used to smuggle the contraband under the guise of transporting vegetables.
Police say the suspected ganja was cleverly hidden between vegetable cartons to avoid detection. The van was flagged down based on intelligence that indicated possible smuggling activity in the area.
How the Operation Was Set Up
The arrest followed a lead received by District Police Chief M. Hemalatha. The information, relayed to the Ernakulam Rural District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force, quickly led to coordinated action on the ground. Officers focused on the vehicle based on the details provided—its route, time of entry, and the cover of vegetable transport.
“The van didn’t stop when signaled; instead, it sped into a bylane, which made us more certain about our suspicion,” said a senior police official involved in the operation. “We had to act quickly and follow them through narrow roads before we managed to intercept it. The suspects didn’t have time to conceal anything further.”
Motive and Modus Operandi
Investigations reveal that the accused bought the ganja in Odisha for ₹3,000 per kilogram and intended to sell it in Kerala for ₹30,000 per kilogram—a tenfold markup. They used a vegetable trading business as cover, transporting the drugs along with regular produce to reduce scrutiny at checkpoints.
The suspected ganja was found concealed between cartons of cucumbers and beans. Police believe this tactic was part of an ongoing smuggling strategy. Both suspects have reportedly engaged in similar trafficking runs previously, possibly forming a regular smuggling route from Odisha to Kerala.
Clients and Wider Network Under Investigation
The police are now investigating whether the two had already delivered part of the consignment before being intercepted. They are also tracing the potential buyers they were supplying to in and around Ernakulam and Palakkad. Mobile phone records, financial transactions, and CCTV footage from checkpoints along the way are being analyzed.
- Santhosh and Ratheesh had no previous major criminal cases, though they were on law enforcement’s radar.
- They may be part of a larger network operating between Odisha and Kerala.
- A bigger consignment may already be circulating undetected.
Drug Trafficking in South India: A Growing Concern
This incident is indicative of rising drug-related issues facing South Indian states, particularly Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. While Kerala has seen a surge in ganja seizures over the past few years, Tamil Nadu has recorded an increase in synthetic drug use, and Karnataka faces trafficking challenges near urban centers.
Here’s what current statistics from 2023 suggest:
- Kerala: Over 2,300 narcotics-related cases registered.
- Tamil Nadu: Around 1,800 cases involving recreational and synthetic drugs.
- Karnataka: Nearly 2,000 cases, with Bengaluru being a hotspot for organized networks.
- Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: Minor increases compared to the southern counterparts, but rural areas still report ganja cultivation and illegal trade.
The high profit margins in drug trade, especially with interstate smuggling, complicate policing efforts. A kilogram bought cheaply in producer states like Odisha or Andhra Pradesh can be sold at a steep markup in Kerala or Tamil Nadu.
Police Strategy Going Forward
The Ernakulam Rural police are reportedly increasing surveillance along inter-district and interstate roads frequently used for logistical movement. Random checks at warehouses, transport hubs, and wholesale vegetable markets are being intensified.
Community-led awareness programs targeting youth are also part of the plan. Schools and colleges in and around Ernakulam will see more awareness drives in the coming months. Surveillance teams have been activated in localities already identified as having higher drug vulnerability.
What’s Next in the Case?
For now, Santhosh and Ratheesh remain in custody. Police are seeking extended remand to gather more leads. The narcotics have been sent to forensic labs for verification. Authorities believe this might lead them to a much wider network spanning across southern and eastern India.
“We believe this is not a one-off. These individuals might have been carriers in a bigger chain,” one official said on condition of anonymity. “We’re tracking every digital and logistical trail, every phone ping, every money transfer…”
As investigations continue and pressure mounts, the broader takeaway is clear: drug trafficking in Kerala is no longer a fringe issue. It’s organized, mobile, and often hidden behind harmless-looking businesses. Maybe it’s time we start looking more closely at who—and how—things get moved around us.
