In one of the most extensive crackdowns on narcotics in recent months, the Tambaram City Police launched an intensive month-long ‘Special Narcotic Drug Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) Surveillance Drive’ from June 24 to July 24, 2026. The operation was aimed at dismantling ganja and narcotics networks, curbing drug abuse, and stopping the supply and distribution of psychotropic substances across the city.
Tambaram City Police Commissioner Prem Anand Sinha told The Hindu, “As a part of the drive, 50 specially constituted surveillance teams fanned out across the Commissionerate, maintaining a watch over the drug ecosystem. We have personally briefed the teams on how to conduct this operation. The teams carried out surveillance at 150 suspected locations, identified 100 hotspots, and gathered crucial ground-level intelligence on ganja peddling syndicates, narcotics distribution channels, drug abuse hotspots, and other suspicious activities.”
“The month-long operation yielded significant results. We have registered 338 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and arrested 412 accused,” Mr. Sinha said. The seizures included 286.037 kg of ganja, 8,114 tablets, 14 mg of LSD stamps, 110 grams of methaqualone, 26 grams of opium, 25 grams of ganja chocolate, and one gram of heroin.
The crackdown also targeted repeat offenders. Twenty-six history-sheeters, including seven repeat drug offenders, were detained under the Goondas Act. In addition, 117 history-sheeters involved in rowdyism and narcotics-related offences were arrested and remanded in judicial custody.
Mr. Sinha said the intelligence gathered during the operation would form the backbone of future surveillance, targeted enforcement, and preventive action against narcotics-related crimes. Officials said the drive was a significant step towards intelligence-led policing, reaffirming the Tambaram City Police’s resolve to dismantle drug networks and keeping the city free from ganja and other narcotic substances.
Published - July 28, 2026 07:03 pm IST