The arrested man has been identified as Mano of Thiruvadanai, who was involved in two previous narcotics cases.
MADURAI: Police foiled a suspected attempt to smuggle 19.8kg of hashish — worth nearly Rs 50 lakh — to Sri Lanka and arrested a 34-year-old history-sheeter near S P Pattinam in Ramanathapuram district on Tuesday. Around 12.50pm, police intercepted Mano and recovered 2kg of hashish from his possession. Based on information obtained during questioning, the team searched his residence and seized another 17.8kg.
Superintendent of police G Chandeesh said a special team led by S P Pattinam inspector David Ravirajan mounted surveillance near the Pasiyamman temple beach at Pasipattinam following a tip-off. Police said Mano had two pending cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The arrested man has been identified as Mano of Thiruvadanai, who was involved in two previous narcotics cases. He had been absconding in that case. A fresh case has been registered under the NDPS Act. Police are investigating the suspected smuggling network and intended destination of the consignment.
One was registered at the S P Pattinam police station earlier this year in connection with the seizure of 15kg of ganja.