150 ganja-laced chocolates seized in Villupuram, two arrested
The Villupuram West Police on Saturday arrested two men for allegedly possessing and selling chocolates laced with ganja. The accused were intercepted near the new bus stand following a tip-off, and 150 such chocolates were recovered from their possession.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Dhananjay Kumar, 27, and Rajakumar, 26, both residents of Purnia district in Bihar. The police have registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and the duo has been remanded to judicial custody.
According to the police, the accused had been operating in the area for some time, targeting young customers with the flavoured chocolates. “They were selling the contraband in the guise of regular confectionery. We have alerted other police stations to be vigilant,” said a police officer involved in the operation.
The NDPS Act prohibits the production, possession, sale, purchase, transport, and consumption of ganja and other narcotic substances. Offences under the Act are non-bailable and can attract rigorous imprisonment and fines, depending on the quantity seized. In this case, the quantity of ganja inside the chocolates is yet to be quantified, which may affect the severity of charges.
Edible forms of cannabis, such as these chocolates, have raised concerns among health and law enforcement officials because they are often difficult for consumers to recognise. Experts warn that consuming ganja-laced food products can lead to delayed effects, accidental overconsumption, and severe psychological distress, especially in adolescents and first-time users.
The incident highlights the evolving methods used by narcotics traffickers to evade detection. Police have urged parents and schools to remain alert to such products and report any suspicious activity. The Villupuram district administration has also been conducting awareness programmes on drug abuse prevention in educational institutions.
The two accused were produced before a magistrate court on Sunday and have been lodged in the Villupuram sub-jail. The police are investigating whether the consignment had any connection to larger supply networks, and further inquiries are on to trace the source of the contraband.
