Operation Toofan: 36 persons arrested in Kochi city

Kochi: As part of statewide anti-drug campaign Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt, Kochi city police on Wednesday carried out extensive raids across the city, registering 33 cases under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.Thirty-six persons, including suspected drug peddlers and users, were arrested during searches conducted at 90 locations. Police also booked seven cases under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (Cotpa).Largest seizure was reported from Kollamkudi Mugal near Thrikkakara, where three youths were taken into custody from an apartment with 437.28g of suspected MDMA. Those arrested were identified as Arjun Variyath, 30, of Kaithakuzhi in Palakkad, Ratheesh Anchampura, 33, of Cherkkala in Kasaragod and Asif Kannoth, 36, of Kalamassery.Raids were carried out by district anti-narcotics special action force headed by ACP (narcotics cell) T D Sunilkumar, with the support of teams from various police stations.According to a police statement, a dedicated squad has been formed to monitor drug traffickers and users, while educational institutions, luxury hotels and venues hosting DJ events will remain under close surveillance.Chief minister V D Satheesan formally launched Operation Toofan in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. Inspector general (intelligence) Putta Vimaladitya has been designated as state nodal officer for the initiative.Man arrested for stabbing grocery vendor in KalamasseryKochi: Kalamassery police on Wednesday arrested a 30-year-old man for allegedly stabbing and robbing a 72-year-old grocery shop owner at South Kalamassery on Tuesday evening.The accused, Akhil Sabu of Glass Factory Colony, allegedly attacked Sivashankaran Nair, owner of NS Grocery Shop near Shanthinagar on Kalamassery-Manjummel Road, after asking for items from the shop. Police said the assailant kicked the elderly man from behind, grabbed him by the neck and stabbed him on the hand, neck and chest before fleeing with cash kept at the shop.Police arrested the accused near Glass Factory Colony. Victim is undergoing treatment at Govt Medical College Hospital, Ernakulam. The accused was remanded in judicial custody and lodged in Kakkanad jail.