A significant crackdown on drug trafficking by the Greater Chennai Police (GCP) led to the arrest of five private engineering college students on Sunday, November 3, after authorities seized a substantial cache of synthetic drugs.
The operation resulted in the confiscation of 94 Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) stamps, 48 Ecstasy tablets, and 700 grams of 'OG' ganja, along with five mobile phones.
The arrests were initiated based on intelligence reports that directed officers to a buyer, R Karthikeyan (21), from JJ Nagar. During the initial raid, authorities seized 17 LSD stamps and three grams of 'OG' ganja, a potent form of cannabis. Following his interrogation, Karthikeyan revealed information that prompted the GCP to apprehend four additional suspects: Arvind Balaji (20) from Mandaveli, D Vatsal (21) from Guduvanchery, A Aaruni (20), and S Drishan Sampath (20) from Maraimalai Nagar.
According to an official statement from the GCP, the group had been utilizing the social media platform Reddit to facilitate their drug sales. LSD and Ecstasy, both popular party drugs, are commonly trafficked from European countries and have seen a rise in demand among local youth. This operation aligns with the GCP's broader strategy to combat drug trafficking, which recently included a significant seizure of approximately 1.5 kg of methamphetamine (Ice).
Following their arrest, the students underwent medical examinations at a government hospital, where it was confirmed that they had consumed narcotic substances. They were subsequently presented in court and remanded to judicial custody. The GCP's ongoing efforts to address drug trafficking and substance abuse among young people in the region are expected to continue as authorities remain vigilant against these growing threats.
