Major ganja haul in Kochi-OxBig News Network

In a major haul, the Excise department reportedly seized 36 kg of ganja and arrested four persons from a taxi stand near the Ernakulam North railway station in the early hours of Wednesday (December 11).

All four accused are reportedly from West Bengal. The seizure followed a tip-off to Ernakulam Deputy Excise Commissioner T.M. Maju. They allegedly smuggled in ganja bought cheaply from Odisha ahead of the festive season. The narcotic was reportedly transported by train in three trolley bags each containing 12-kg packets tightly sealed with tape to avoid detection by smell.

According to the Excise, the accused had planned to sell ganja in one lot and return home the next day. “We are continuing the investigation based on information that some migrant workers and even some Malayalis were part of the racket,” said Excise circle inspector P. Sreeraj.

The seized ganja is reportedly worth ₹35 lakh. According to the Excise, all the accused were habitual offenders making a living from ganja smuggling. A week ago, the Excise had reportedly seized 7 kg of ganja and arrested two residents of Assam under similar circumstances.

The department reportedly seized 45 kg of ganja this month alone as part of a special drive ahead of the Christmas-New Year season. A round-the-clock control room has been opened to closely monitor the movement and consumption of liquor and drugs, as well as related criminal activities during the season. The special drive will last from December 9 to January 4.