Smugglers using guest workers as ganja couriers in Chennai

In a concerning development, criminals involved in the illicit trade of ganja in Chennai have resorted to using guest workers as unsuspecting couriers. This shift in tactics comes in response to intensified crackdowns on ganja smuggling operations via trucks from other states. As per a report of Times of India, at least 13 guest workers, including one individual from Tripura, have been arrested in the last three months for their involvement in smuggling ganja.

Last month, a 24-year-old trader from Odisha was apprehended while wandering aimlessly near a playground in Kodambakkam. The person, identified as Naren Rout, had 3 kg of ganja and 5 kg of ganja-infused chocolates in his possession.

In another incident, a man identified as Kamal from Tripura was nabbed with 7.1 kg of ganja in his backpack.


A spokesperson from the prohibition enforcement wing (PEW) explained, "As our efforts to enforce stringent measures against ganja smugglers intensified, they resorted to innovative methods to transport the contraband."

To counter this emerging trend, additional police personnel have been deployed near Korukkupet and Basin Bridge areas to monitor individuals carrying suspicious bags and disembarking at these stations. Recently, at Perambur railway station, two men from Jharkhand were arrested while attempting to transport ganja from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

A press release issued by the city commissioner of police revealed that, from January 1 to August 10 of this year, at least 43 suspects have been detained under the Goondas Act—a preventive detention law. In 2022, a total of 890 cases were registered, leading to the arrest and judicial remand of 1,503 individuals. Law enforcement agencies seized approximately 1,700 kg of ganja and various other drugs during the year. Notably, 62 accused were detained under the Goondas Act for drug-related offenses, and 1,932 kg of ganja, along with Methamphetamine, ganja oil, and other narcotics, were confiscated.

For the current year, between January and July, 616 cases related to ganja smuggling have already been registered. As a result, 933 individuals have been arrested and remanded in judicial custody. The authorities have confiscated a total of 2,143 kg of ganja and various drugs during this period, and 43 accused have been detained under the Goondas Act in connection with drug-related offenses.