KOLLAM: In a significant crackdown on narcotics ahead of the 2026 Assembly Elections, the Kollam Excise Range office seized 16.205 kg of ganja and arrested a key member of a major wholesale distribution network. The arrest was made near Altharamoodu, Kavanad, as part of the Excise Department’s ‘Operation D-Hunt’ and special election drives.
The accused has been identified as Arunan (37), son of Satheeshan, residing at Arunalayam, Nadaikkal, Kalluvathukkal village. According to Excise officials, Arunan is a vital link in the illegal drug supply chain operating across various parts of the district. The contraband was being transported for wholesale distribution when the team intercepted him. A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The operation was led by Excise Inspector P. Sankar. The specialized shadow team involved in the raid included Civil Excise Officers S. Salim and T.S. Sooraj, Preventive Officer (Gr.) Shefeek B, Assistant Excise Inspectors (Gr.) S. Binulal and S. Anilkumar, and Driver Santhosh Kumar G.
Excise officials stated that surveillance and patrolling have been intensified across the district to curb the flow of illicit substances during the election period. Further investigations are underway to trace other members of the distribution network.