Chennai Police Conduct Massive Raid on Student Flats, Seize Ganja and Arrest Notable Criminal

1,000 Officers Spend 5 Hours Searching for Narcotics Near SRM College

In a sweeping crackdown on illegal drug use, over 1,000 officers from Tambaram City Police conducted an extensive raid on student accommodations near SRM Institute of Science and Technology in Chennai on Saturday. The operation, which lasted for five hours, targeted the Abode Valley apartment complex, a popular residence for students.

Details of the Raid

Acting on specific intelligence about illegal drug use among students, the police meticulously searched hundreds of flats in the Abode Valley complex. The search resulted in the seizure of 500 grams of ganja, 20 ml of cannabis oil, and six packets of marijuana-infused chocolates. Additionally, police confiscated drug paraphernalia, including hookahs, a smoking pot, and five to six balls of bhang and sheesha.

Local sources indicate that Abode Valley houses around 500 students out of its 700 apartments, making it a significant focus for this operation.
 

Detentions and Further Actions

During the raid, 20 individuals were detained for questioning. Among them, at least 11 were identified as students from SRM Institute of Science and Technology. The police also apprehended a notable criminal, G Selvamani, an A+ category history-sheeter with a record of 13 serious offenses, including two murders.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Tambaram, Pavan Kumar Reddy, revealed that Abode Valley had been under surveillance for two weeks. Police efforts included monitoring the area to understand how drug dealers were distributing substances to students.

Operation Details

The raid involved 168 teams of police personnel, including women officers, to ensure thorough coverage of the area. The operation was executed with precision, involving simultaneous entry into the flats to minimize the chance of evidence being destroyed or suspects fleeing.

Community and Police Response

The raid highlights ongoing concerns about drug use among students and demonstrates the police's commitment to addressing these issues. The substantial seizure of illegal substances and the arrest of a prominent criminal underscore the operation's impact.

The police's continued efforts to combat drug abuse in student communities reflect a broader initiative to maintain safety and uphold the law in Chennai.