Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant breakthrough under the statewide anti-narcotics drive 'Operation Toofan', Sreekaryam police on Tuesday arrested a 26-year-old IT manager employed at a Technopark-based company for allegedly operating an indoor cannabis cultivation setup inside his apartment in the city.
Arrest and Identification
The accused has been identified as Vishal, a native of Haryana, who was earning a monthly salary of approximately Rs 1.5 lakh. Police officials expressed surprise at the discovery, noting that alongside his corporate career, he had been systematically cultivating cannabis plants for personal use.
Details of the Raid
During the raid, officers seized around 70 cannabis plants grown in flower pots and other containers arranged inside the apartment. Some plants reached a height of nearly 30 centimeters and were being carefully maintained under controlled conditions. According to police, the cultivation appeared to be systematic and well-organized, indicating a sophisticated indoor setup.
Accused's Statement
Preliminary interrogation revealed that Vishal was not involved in large-scale distribution or commercial sale of the narcotic. Instead, he allegedly cultivated the plants for his own consumption. Police said Vishal admitted to using cannabis leaves in different forms, including grinding them and mixing them with milk. He also reportedly processed the leaves into paste-like preparations for consumption.
Legal Proceedings
The case has drawn attention due to the accused's professional background and the sophisticated nature of the indoor cultivation unit. Police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and are continuing investigations to determine whether others were involved in the operation. Authorities stated that further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the probe. Vishal has been remanded in judicial custody for 14 days.
