Sri Vijaya Puram, May 1:
In a sweeping crackdown against narcotics in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, two separate but coordinated police operations have seized large quantities of illegal drugs and led to the arrest of two individuals linked to local drug distribution networks.
The operations, carried out on April 29 and 30, targeted both courier-based smuggling and street-level peddling, underscoring the police force’s intensified efforts to curb the spread of narcotics in the region.
On April 29, acting on precise intelligence inputs, a dedicated team from the Anti-Narcotics Police Station executed a carefully planned operation at the Blue Dart Courier center in Gurudwara Lane, Sri Vijaya Puram. The team, led by Inspector Sahil Shamsudeen and overseen by DySP (Narcotics) Manish Kumar, set up surveillance to intercept a narcotics delivery.
Their target was 21-year-old Md. Tabrez, originally from Naugachhia, Bhagalpur, Bihar, but currently residing in a rented accommodation near TTI College, Garacharma. As he arrived to collect a suspicious parcel, the police team moved in swiftly. On opening the package, officers recovered 1.510 kilograms of ganja, cleverly concealed inside a carton box.
The operation followed all legal protocols under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, with the entire process digitally documented through the E-Saakshya platform to ensure transparency and legal integrity. Tabrez was arrested on the spot, and a formal case was registered. Further investigation is underway to identify the broader network behind the shipment.
The Anti-Narcotics Police emphasized that such courier-based trafficking has become an emerging threat, with smugglers attempting to exploit parcel services to evade direct detection. However, vigilant surveillance and sharp intelligence inputs have allowed the department to stay ahead.
Just a day later, on April 30, the Aberdeen Police Station launched two separate raids in Round Basti and Mazar Pahad, leading to the seizure of methamphetamine and ganja and the arrest of two suspected peddlers.
In the first raid, the police targeted the residence of 38-year-old street vendor Zulfikar Khan at House No. 21, Round Basti. Acting on specific intelligence, the team seized 17.52 grams of methamphetamine, a synthetic stimulant that has increasingly appeared in local drug busts. Known for its high addictive potential and severe health risks, the meth seizure marked a serious escalation in the types of drugs now circulating in the region.
The second operation led police to Mazar Pahad, where they arrested 27-year-old diving instructor Alapati Mani Raju, who was found in possession of 1.5 kilograms of ganja. Both suspects were taken into custody, and separate cases were registered as police continued their investigation to uncover possible suppliers and accomplices.
The operations were carried out by a specialized team including Sub Inspector Abhishek Haldar, Head Constable Sunil Singh Yadav, and Constables Jagdish Babu, Jayraj, Surender Singh Yadav, Reya Mondal, and C.H. Dhanalakshmi, under the supervision of Sub Divisional Police Officer Vikas and Senior Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Meena.
Together, the two back-to-back raids netted over 3 kilograms of illegal drugs, a clear indication that the islands are facing a growing challenge from both small-scale peddlers and more organized trafficking channels.
Police officials have warned that synthetic drugs like methamphetamine represent a particularly worrying development, as they are often accompanied by higher levels of violence, addiction, and social harm. At the same time, the persistent movement of cannabis (ganja) through both land routes and courier services suggests that traditional drug networks continue to operate alongside these newer threats.
The police leadership stressed that they are committed to dismantling these supply chains by pursuing every lead and working closely with local communities. Residents have been urged to report any suspicious activities or information related to drug trafficking by contacting police helplines at 112, 03192-232100, 03192-236641, or 03192-232400. Police assured that all tips will be kept confidential to protect informants.
As the Andaman and Nicobar Islands continue to develop as a tourism hub and local economy, the influx of narcotics poses a significant risk not only to public health but also to the social fabric and safety of local communities. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly relying on both intelligence-led policing and public cooperation to counter these risks.
