Published Jun 29, 2026 | 12:05 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 29, 2026 | 12:08 PM
P Sanjay (22), Harikrishnan (25), Sreejesh (41) and Presjith (40), who were the latest to be arrested. (Special Arrangement)
Synopsis: The investigation began when a bike was stopped during a random search in Ernakulam and hybrid ganja was found. With the arrest of five more accused, the link to drug networks operating out of Thailand has emerged.
The investigation into Kerala’s biggest hybrid ganja seizure has expanded to cover what police describe as an international drug trafficking network, with Ernakulam range DIG GH Yathish Chandra announcing the arrest of five more accused believed to be behind the supply chain.
Police identified the arrested as Abu Tahir (39) of Mundur, Harikrishnan (25) of Thrikadeeri, Presjith (40) of Kadampazhippuram, Sreejesh (41) of Panamanna and Sanjay P (22) of Chalavara, all natives of Palakkad district.
Abu Tahir, whom investigators have identified as the alleged kingpin of the network, was arrested from Bengaluru during coordinated statewide raids.
According to the police, the syndicate operated by recruiting carriers and arranging their travel to Thailand, from where hybrid ganja was allegedly smuggled into Kerala through passenger baggage.
The contraband was then supplied through an organised wholesale and retail distribution network operating within the state.
DIG Yathish Chandra said the latest arrests were made as part of Operation Toofan, launched after the recovery of a record quantity of hybrid ganja in Perumbavoor.
Investigators are now examining bank transactions, travel records and digital evidence to identify the financial trail and establish the network’s international links.
The operation began after police intercepted Njarakkal native Ayush (39) while he was allegedly transporting 1.166 kg of hybrid ganja on a biker at Kunnuvazhi on June 24. A follow-up search at the rented apartment he shared with his wife, Anikha (30), led to the seizure of an additional 16 kg of hybrid ganja.
Anikha was subsequently arrested, taking the total seizure to around 17 kg.
Police had earlier identified Ayush and Anikha as mid-level wholesale distributors linked to a larger narcotics syndicate.
Ayush and Anakha. (Special Arrangement)
The seizure remains the biggest drug haul in the history of the Ernakulam Rural Police.
Hybrid ganja is a scientifically cultivated cannabis variant produced by cross-breeding different strains.
Owing to its higher potency and longer-lasting intoxicating effects compared to conventional marijuana, it commands a significantly higher price in the illegal drug market.
Also Read: How a pressure cooker ratted out ‘ganja peddler’ in Kerala
(With inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman.)
