South Zone police register 35 NDPS cases, arrest 49 in anti-drug drive
Madurai : Tamil Nadu Police registered 35 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and arrested 49 people during a coordinated anti-drug operation conducted across all districts and cities in the South Zone on Tuesday. IG, South Zone, Vijayendra S Bidari said enforcement against drugs had intensified this year, with police registering 3,146 NDPS cases and arresting 4,636 accused in 2026. A total of 2,853kg of narcotic substances had been seized so far.
Teams conducted simultaneous checks, targeted searches and enforcement activities at identified drug hotspots, railway stations and other vulnerable locations as part of the one-day operation aimed at curbing drug trafficking and abuse, according to police sources. He said police personnel had been directed to maintain continuous surveillance in vulnerable areas, monitor known drug offenders, strengthen intelligence gathering and dismantle drug distribution networks. Police seized 43kg of narcotic substances, including ganja and hashish, during the operation. “The synchronised operation across the South Zone reflects the police’s firm commitment to disrupting drug networks, protecting youth and building drug-free villages. We maintain zero tolerance towards drug abuse and trafficking,” he added.
Investigation and prosecution efforts had also resulted in convictions in 939 NDPS cases, with 1,189 people convicted, he said.