Chennai: Eight arrested, 2 Kg Cocaine worth ₹6 Crore seized in major drug bust
Chennai: The Enforcement Bureau Police’s Central Intelligence Unit has arrested eight individuals and seized two kilograms of cocaine valued at approximately ₹6 crore in a major anti-drug operation conducted in Chennai. The bust, which took place at two key locations in the city, also resulted in the seizure of a car and five mobile phones used by the accused.
The operation began in the St. Thomas Mount area, where officers detained five suspects — all hailing from Keelakarai in Ramanathapuram district — who were in possession of one kilogram of cocaine. During questioning, the group reportedly provided information leading to the arrest of three additional individuals from the Koyambedu area.
Police identified Mahendran, a forest guard posted in Sayalgudi, as one of the key accused. He allegedly received one kilogram of cocaine from a waste collector named Pandi. According to police sources, Pandi claimed he found the narcotics washed ashore along the Ramanathapuram coast during routine waste collection. Similarly, another accused, Palaneeswaran, claimed to have discovered a separate kilogram of cocaine in the same manner.
Further investigations revealed that the alleged mastermind behind the operation was Kasim, who planned to sell the cocaine in Chennai for a significant profit. He was aided by co-conspirators identified as Mohamed Mubarak, Edward Sam, Mohamad Idris, and Kaja Mohaideen.
While the seized cocaine is believed to have arrived via the coastal route, authorities have not yet confirmed its exact origin. Efforts are underway to investigate possible international or domestic supply links.
அமலாக்கம் மற்றும் குற்றப்புலனாய்வுப் பிரிவு போலிசார் ரூ.6 கோடி மதிப்பிலான 2 கிலோ கோகைன் போதைப்பொருளை பறிமுதல் செய்தனர், போதைப்பொருள் கடத்தலில் ஈடுபட்ட 8 பேர் கைது.#Cocaine #EBCID #NIB #Dindigul #DrugAwareness #SayNoToDrugs #DrugFreeTamilNadu #Namakkuvendam #TamilNaduPolice pic.twitter.com/wcqs1XmJAA
— Tamil Nadu Police (@tnpoliceoffl) April 14, 2025
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Beauty of democracy: Tharoor congratulates BJP on civic body poll win in his constituency
New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday, while lauding the win of the UDF in Kerala local bodies elections, also congratulated the BJP for its historic performance in his Thiruvananthapuram constituency, calling it the "beauty of democracy".
In a post on X, he said the people's verdict must be respected, whether for the UDF overall or for the BJP in his constituency.
"What a day of amazing results in the Kerala local self-government elections! The mandate is clear, and the democratic spirit of the state shines through.
"A huge congratulations to @UDFKerala for a truly impressive win across various local bodies! This is a massive endorsement and a powerful signal ahead of the state legislative elections. Hard work, a strong message and anti-incumbency have all clearly paid off to achieve a much better result than in 2020," Tharoor said.
He said he also acknowledges the historic performance of the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram, and "offer humble congratulations on their significant victory in the city corporation - a strong showing that marks a notable shift in the capital's political landscape."
Tharoor said he campaigned for a change from 45 years of the LDF "misrule", but the voters have ultimately rewarded another party that also sought a clear change in governance.
"That is the beauty of democracy. The people's verdict must be respected, whether for the UDF overall or for the BJP in my constituency.
"We will continue to work for the betterment of Kerala, advocating for the people's needs and upholding the principles of good governance. Onwards and upwards!" Tharoor, who is the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, said.
The lotus bloomed in the state capital as the BJP-led NDA achieved a resounding win in the polls for the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, snatching it from the CPI(M)-led LDF and marking an end to 45 years of continuous Left rule in the local body.
The win in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation will act as a boost for the BJP in the 2026 Assembly polls, especially in the state capital.
Of the 101 wards in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the BJP won 50, LDF 29, UDF 19 and two wards were won by independent candidates.
The BJP is one seat short of a decisive majority in the corporation.
Besides this, the NDA retained the Palakkad municipality after a close battle with the Congress-led UDF and wrested the Thrippunithura Municipality from the grand old party.
In Thrissur, from where Suresh Gopi won in the Lok Sabha polls last year, the BJP won 18 out of the 46 wards in Kodungallur Municipality, eight in Thrissur Corporation, two each in Guruvayoor and Vadakkancherry municipalities, seven in Kunnamkulam Municipality, six in Irinjalakuda Municipality and one in Chalakudy Municipality.
