Anti-drug surveillance stepped up ahead of school reopening in Ernakulam

With schools set to reopen in days, the police and Excise departments in Ernakulam have intensified anti-drug measures to curb narcotics distribution targeting students. While the Excise has launched a special drive titled ‘Operation Thunder’, the police are preparing a comprehensive surveillance mechanism around educational institutions.

District Police Chief (Kochi City) Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar said preliminary steps had already been initiated in coordination with school protection groups, parents, and other stakeholders. “Schools have been instructed to clear their premises and surrounding areas of tobacco products, cigarette butts, and similar materials,” he said, stressing the need for preventive action ahead of the new academic year.

District Police Chief (Ernakulam Rural) K.S. Sudarshan warned that strict action would be taken against those selling tobacco and other intoxicating substances near school campuses. He said besides parents and teachers, residents living near schools also have a key role in identifying suspicious activities and alerting the authorities.

Police sources said the department would strengthen surveillance around schools and colleges and intensify monitoring history-sheeters involved in drug cases. Surveillance teams are expected to focus on vulnerable pockets and known supply routes in both urban and rural areas of the district.

Suspected ganja seized

Meanwhile, the Excise Anti-Narcotics Special Squad recently seized 18 kg of suspected ganja from an alleged distribution hub at Panambukad near Vallarpadam. The suspected cannabis was stocked at the house of Sabu, who reportedly ran a drug peddling network, according to the Excise.

Officials said the contraband was allegedly stored for distribution among students once schools reopen in June. The raid was conducted as part of Operation Thunder, announced by Additional Excise Commissioner Devamanohar.

The accused was nabbed in an operation led by Ernakulam Excise Anti-Narcotics Squad Inspector Arun D.S. Excise officials said searches had been intensified along backwater channels and suspected hideouts on land to trace Sabu, who managed to escape during the raid.