Over 6 kg ganja seized in Kollam excise operation; key suspect arrested as drug crackdown intensifies — In a significant anti-narcotics operation, the Kerala Excise Department on Saturday night seized over 6 kilograms of ganja during a targeted inspection at Mekone junction in Kollam, leading to the arrest of a suspected supplier and the launch of further investigations into a possible smuggling network.
According to Excise officials, the raid was carried out at around 10:25 pm under the leadership of Excise Inspector P. Shankar. Acting on specific intelligence, officers intercepted a vehicle in which 6.050 kg of ganja — believed to be intended for illegal sale — was found concealed. The quantity seized represents one of the larger narcotics hauls in recent local enforcement efforts.
The prime accused, 33-year-old Alshad S, a resident of Kilikollur village in Kollam, was taken into custody on the spot. Police have registered a case against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and he remains detained as investigations progress. Authorities believe Alshad may be a key link in an interstate drug supply chain, potentially transporting ganja into Kerala from neighbouring states such as Tamil Nadu.
In addition to the marijuana, the excise team confiscated the car used in the alleged smuggling attempt along with three mobile phones that may contain crucial evidence about contacts and network operations. The inspection team included civil excise officers, preventive officers, and assistant excise inspectors, reflecting a coordinated effort to disrupt illegal drug peddling in the region.
Officials have indicated that follow-up raids and further searches are planned using information obtained from this arrest. The department continues to emphasise its commitment to cracking down on narcotics trafficking, which remains a priority amid rising concerns about drug distribution networks affecting public health and safety in Kerala.
News as reported
