Sri Vijaya Puram, May 27: A passenger arriving aboard MV Nalanda from Kolkata was arrested at Mayabunder jetty after police recovered approximately one kilogram of illicit ganja from his luggage during a targeted anti-narcotics operation conducted by North & Middle Andaman Police.
The operation was carried out on May 25 following specific intelligence inputs regarding the transportation of narcotic substances through passenger movement on the inter-island vessel route. Acting on the information, a special raiding team from Police Station Mayabunder was constituted under the direction of IPS officer Vikas Swami, Superintendent of Police, North & Middle Andaman District.
According to police sources, the checking operation was conducted at the Mayabunder jetty immediately after passengers disembarked from the vessel. The search was led by Inspector R.K. Mazumder, Station House Officer of PS Mayabunder, in the presence of independent witnesses.
During the verification and screening of passengers, police intercepted a suspicious individual carrying a trolley suitcase. On examination of the luggage, officials recovered a concealed bag containing approximately one kilogram of suspected ganja.
Police stated that the recovered substance tested positive for ganja during preliminary examination conducted on the spot. The contraband was subsequently seized following prescribed legal procedures under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The accused was arrested after completion of codal formalities, and further investigation has been initiated to ascertain the source, intended destination and possible network linked to the narcotic consignment.
Officials said the seizure reflects continuing surveillance measures being carried out by district police units to monitor narcotics movement through maritime routes and passenger transport systems in the islands. The operation also underlines heightened enforcement efforts amid growing concern over attempts to transport contraband substances through remote and inter-island routes.
Police authorities indicated that surveillance and checking operations at jetties, ports and transport hubs would continue as part of anti-drug enforcement measures across North & Middle Andaman district.
The district police appealed to members of the public to share credible information relating to narcotics trafficking or other illegal activities with the nearest police station or through emergency helpline numbers 100, 112 and 03192-273344.
Officials stated that the identity of informers would be kept strictly confidential and suitable rewards would be provided for actionable information assisting law enforcement agencies in preventing drug-related crimes in the islands.
