Mon Feb 02 15:37:14 UTC 2026: ### Headline: 194 kg of Ganja Seized in Ramanathapuram, India; Suspected Smuggling Operation to Sri Lanka
The Story:
On Monday, February 2, 2026, the Q-Branch police in Ramanathapuram, India, intercepted a car at the Pattanamkathan East Coast Road (ECR) junction based on specific intelligence. A search of the vehicle revealed 194 kg of ganja, packed into 97 bundles. The driver, Manikandan, 40, from Gummidipoondi, Thiruvallur district, was arrested. Preliminary investigations suggest the ganja originated from Chennai and was intended to be smuggled illegally to Sri Lanka. The seized narcotics and the accused have been handed over to the Ramanathapuram Narcotic Intelligence Bureau (NIB) for further investigation into the smuggling network.
Key Points:
- Date: February 2, 2026
- Location: Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, India
- Seizure: 194 kg of ganja
- Bundles: 97
- Arrest: Manikandan, 40, from Gummidipoondi, Thiruvallur district.
- Origin: Suspected to be from Chennai.
- Destination: Intended for illegal transport to Sri Lanka.
- Investigating Agency: Ramanathapuram Narcotic Intelligence Bureau (NIB).
Key Takeaways:
- Drug smuggling remains a persistent problem between India and Sri Lanka.
- Intelligence gathering plays a crucial role in disrupting smuggling operations.
- Chennai is potentially a key source point for narcotics intended for international smuggling.
- The East Coast Road (ECR) is a known route for illegal activities.
- Further investigation is needed to uncover the entire smuggling network.
First Piper 