Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 25: A 60-year-old man was arrested in Mayabunder after police seized a suspected ganja plant cultivated in a plantation area at Neemtala, following information about alleged illicit cultivation on September 23.
A police team from Mayabunder Police Station conducted the search at Neemtala after receiving credible information regarding the suspected cultivation of illicit ganja plants. During the operation, officers found one plant growing in the plantation area associated with the accused.
The plant measured approximately 82 cm from root to top and weighed about 21 grams, according to the information provided by the police. The plant was seized during the search.
Police identified the accused as Gopal Nand, 60, a resident of Neemtala and a fisherman by occupation. He was subsequently arrested under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
The seizure and arrest form part of an ongoing investigation into the suspected cultivation of cannabis at the plantation. Police said further investigation and necessary legal action are in progress.
The North and Middle Andaman District Police said it would continue action against illicit drug cultivation and trafficking across the district. The police have also appealed to members of the public to report credible information concerning drug-related activities through the emergency number 112 or the nearest police station.
According to the police, the identity of informants will be kept confidential and suitable rewards will be provided for information that leads to actionable results.
The case follows a search-based police operation focused specifically on suspected cultivation rather than the recovery of processed narcotics. The seized plant has been taken into police custody as the investigation proceeds under the applicable provisions of the NDPS Act.
Further legal proceedings will depend on the outcome of the investigation.
