Major drug trafficking bust recovers narcotics worth ₹1.43 crore as CM Vijay's anti-drug push gains traction

Three-day Operation Yields Major Results

Tamil Nadu Police concluded an intensive 72-hour statewide operation that has set the tone for the state government's hardline stance on crime and narcotics. The crackdown, conducted across all districts, resulted in the detention of 3,246 individuals and the arrest of 419 drug traffickers—marking one of the largest such operations in recent months.

Police teams questioned over 15,000 people during the drive, casting a wide net that included known history-sheeters and individuals with no prior criminal records. Of those interrogated, the bulk were processed for further inquiry, with 844 individuals formally sent to judicial custody under various legal provisions.

Massive Drug Seizure Disrupts Supply Networks

The anti-narcotics wing made its mark with a substantial seizure operation. Police registered 294 cases under the NDPS Act, recovering 267.756 kg of ganja alongside 2,476 narcotic pills from traffickers across the state. Officials pegged the street value of confiscated drugs at approximately ₹1.43 crore—a significant blow to organised trafficking networks operating in Tamil Nadu.

According to a statement from the Director General of Police (DGP), the operation was conducted on explicit instructions from newly sworn-in Chief Minister Vijay. The government has prioritised strict action against hooliganism, drug trafficking, and narcotics-related crimes to maintain public order.

Task Forces Rolling Out Across Districts

The intensive three-day operation reflects the government's broader anti-drug strategy unveiled immediately after Vijay assumed office. Within 48 hours of taking oath, the Chief Minister announced the formation of 65 Anti-Drug Task Forces (ANTF) across Tamil Nadu districts—a move designed to tackle narcotics smuggling and substance abuse at the grassroots level.

These task forces will operate under direct oversight of the Chief Minister's office, signalling the government's commitment to sustained pressure on drug networks. The immediate operationalisation of the current drive suggests these units are already active on the ground.

Broader Law-and-Order Push

The anti-drug campaign sits within a larger suite of policy initiatives launched by the new administration. Alongside the task forces, the government has established the 'Singappen Special Task Force' dedicated to crimes against women, ensuring faster response times and complaint resolution. Additionally, 717 state-run liquor shops located within 500 metres of schools, colleges, bus stands, and religious places have been ordered shut.

For domestic consumers, the government announced 200 free units of electricity every two months—a scheme expected to benefit approximately 2.4 crore households. These moves reflect the government's multi-pronged approach to governance.

Ground-Level Impact

The three-day operation underscores the operational readiness of police forces across districts. While the scale of the crackdown is significant, officials acknowledge the challenge of sustaining such momentum. The formation of dedicated anti-drug task forces signals intent to move from episodic operations to continuous monitoring and enforcement.

Law-and-order observers note that the speed with which these initiatives have been rolled out—coupled with direct oversight from the Chief Minister's office—suggests a departure from previous approaches. How effectively these structures embed themselves in district-level policing will determine the long-term impact on drug trafficking networks.