Tambaram Cops Raid Student Hostels, Apartments Over Suspected Drug Use
According to police sources, the Commissionerate had received confidential information that narcotic substances were being used extensively in some of these student residential facilities.
Chennai: More than 100 police personnel, attached to the Tambaram City Police Commissionerate, raided student hostels and apartment complexes in and around Maraimalai Nagar, Kattankulathur and Potheri on Sunday morning following alerts about alleged widespread use and movement of narcotic substances among students.
The searches, which began around 6 am, continued for several hours under the leadership of three assistant commissioners of police.
According to police sources, the Commissionerate had received confidential information that narcotic substances were being used extensively in some of these student residential facilities. The movement and consumption of drugs were reportedly more prominent during weekends, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays.
Police personnel checked rooms occupied by students as well as common areas and other portions of the residential premises. Visitors and other outsiders entering or leaving the apartment complexes and hostels were also stopped and subjected to checks, including examination of their bags and belongings.
Police also inspected plant pots, ornamental crotons, creepers, landscaped areas and spaces along compound walls.
Police have not officially disclosed the quantity or nature of the substances seized during the operation. However, sources said that high-grade narcotic substances, drug tablets and cannabis were recovered.
Officials are also expected to examine the source of the substances and identify the suppliers to students. Further searches and surveillance are likely to be carried out based on the information gathered during Sunday's operation.
Police sources said similar raids could be extended to other suburban areas where large numbers of students and young people from other States reside, including Tambaram, Pallavaram, the Old Mahabalipuram Road and the East Coast Road.
The large-scale searches come amid growing concerns over the circulation of narcotic substances in student residential areas in the city's expanding suburban belt.
