Chennai Police Intensify Crackdown on Methamphetamine Trafficking; Another Arrest Made
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Chennai Police apprehended a 26-year-old man involved in methamphetamine trafficking among youth. This arrest follows the detention of multiple suspects as part of ongoing operations to dismantle drug syndicates in Tamil Nadu, a major drug transit hub.
Key Takeaways
- 26-year-old arrested for meth trafficking.
- Police seized 3.6 grams of meth from suspects.
- Tamil Nadu identified as a transit hub for drugs.
- Ongoing investigation aims to dismantle broader networks.
- Significant increase in meth seizures observed.
Chennai, Feb 15 (NationPress) The Greater Chennai Police have apprehended a 26-year-old individual from Royapettah for his role in trafficking methamphetamine and disseminating it among the youth in the city.
The suspect, known as Bala Hari Niva, was taken into custody after law enforcement seized approximately one gram of methamphetamine from him.
This arrest is part of ongoing operations aimed at dismantling drug syndicates within Chennai.
As per police sources, Niva was captured based on intel from previously detained drug traffickers.
On February 7, authorities detained four individuals linked to the methamphetamine network.
The arrested individuals are Baijur Rahman (33) from Puducherry, S. Kirubakaran (28) from Avadi, Kodavathi Kandi Sunil Babu (23) from Thirumullaivoyal, and B. Akash (27) from Kancheepuram.
During their apprehension, officials confiscated 3.6 grams of methamphetamine, 90 grams of ganja, a vehicle, a two-wheeler, and four mobile devices, including an iPhone.
The admissions made by these suspects were vital in leading to Niva's capture, and the police are actively investigating to dismantle the broader drug supply network operating in the city.
Reports suggest that Tamil Nadu has become a significant transit point for international drug syndicates. Prohibited substances like methamphetamine and its precursor, pseudoephedrine, are trafficked to nations such as Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Australia, where there is substantial demand.
In 2024 alone, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) have seized meth valued at around Rs 380 crore.
Sources indicate that these drugs originated from Myanmar and were intended for Sri Lanka.
Recently, Chennai police apprehended a Nigerian national named Philip, suspected of orchestrating a cartel responsible for smuggling methamphetamine into Tamil Nadu and distributing it in smaller quantities.
Philip was taken into custody by the Arumbakkam police, marking the total arrests in this case at 12.
Other individuals arrested include Jeevan (39), Masthan (45), Jagadeesan (25), Satishkumar (33), Viswanathan (47), Deepakraj (24), Siddharth (25), Arul Kumar (28), Antony Raj (29), and Santhosh (27).
Police sources disclosed that Philip confessed to procuring meth from Nigeria and importing it via courier and air routes.
The trafficking of methamphetamine is highly lucrative as the drug, which costs between Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per kg in Manipur, can fetch up to Rs 7 lakh in Chennai.
In international markets like Sri Lanka and Australia, prices can soar to several crores.
According to NCB sources, meth is trafficked from Myanmar into Manipur, and then transported to Tamil Nadu via human carriers on trains.
Once in Tamil Nadu, the drugs are concealed in vehicles and sent to coastal towns such as Rameswaram, Thoothukudi, and Nagapattinam.
From there, local fishing vessels facilitate mid-sea transfers to Sri Lanka via the porous maritime border. Moreh, a town in Manipur near the India-Myanmar border, has been identified as a crucial transit hub, partly due to its Tamil community. Investigators have uncovered connections between Moreh and Chennai’s Red Hills area, showcasing the extensive reach of the syndicate.
Data from the NCB Chennai zone reveals a significant increase in methamphetamine seizures intended for Sri Lanka: 12 kg in 2021, 66 kg in 2022, and 81 kg in 2023. Although data for 2024 is yet to be compiled, authorities anticipate even higher figures. Investigations continue as law enforcement agencies intensify their efforts against drug trafficking networks in Tamil Nadu.
