Ranipet railway station seizure: 96 kg ganja, three arrested
Three persons were arrested at Ammundi railway station near Ranipet town on Sunday for allegedly possessing 96 kg of ganja valued at approximately ₹80 lakh. The accused have been identified as G. Rajesh, 40, S. Moideen, 36, and H. Naveen Kumar, 26, all residents of Arcot town.
According to police, the arrests were part of a coordinated crackdown on drug trafficking in Ranipet district. Acting on orders from Superintendent of Police P. Sibin, special teams had been formed to intensify surveillance and intercept illegal drug movements. Acting on a tip-off, personnel from the Ranipet Town police station conducted checks on trains arriving at the railway station. When the three men were found behaving suspiciously, their bags were inspected, leading to the recovery of the contraband.
The seized ganja was reportedly intended for retail sale among workers at industrial sites in the region and in Puducherry. Police have registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and the accused were later lodged at the Central Prison in Vellore. A senior police officer stated that strict action would be taken against those involved in smuggling drugs into the state, and a detailed investigation is underway to trace the supply chain and any larger network.
This seizure comes amid heightened efforts by Tamil Nadu police to curb the flow of narcotics, particularly in districts bordering other states. Ganja, a banned substance under Indian law, is frequently smuggled through railway networks due to the ease of transport. The NDPS Act prescribes rigorous imprisonment for possession of commercial quantities, which in the case of ganja is any amount exceeding 20 kg. The 96 kg recovered in this operation is well above that threshold, making the accused liable for severe penalties if convicted.
Local residents and commuters at the railway station expressed relief at the swift action by the police. "We often hear of such seizures, but seeing it happen here reassures us that the authorities are vigilant," said one passenger, who did not wish to be named. Police have urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to drug trafficking to the nearest police station.
Investigators are also examining whether the accused had prior links to drug peddling networks in Tamil Nadu or neighbouring states. The three men, who are said to have been friends, were reportedly travelling together when intercepted. Further questioning may reveal additional accomplices and the source of the ganja.
Drug abuse remains a serious concern across India, with law enforcement agencies constantly adapting their strategies to combat trafficking. The Ranipet police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining a drug-free district and have called for community cooperation in identifying and reporting illegal activities. The case continues to develop as the investigation progresses.
