Police, Excise launch intensive raid in Perumbavoor; nine NDPS cases registered

The Ernakulam rural police and the Excise on Sunday (February 8) registered nine cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act as they launched an intensive raid among migrant labourers in and around Perumbavoor amid a rise in complaints over drug peddling. Three migrant women, who were staying in lodges without valid documents, were taken into custody during the drive.

Searches were conducted in the dwelling places of migrant people, the market and buses by over 100 police and excise personnel. The dog squad and bomb squad were also involved in the raids led by Perumbavoor ASP Hardik Meena. The action was part of the steps initiated by District Police Chief (Ernakulam rural) K.S. Sudarshan to prevent conflict between residents and migrant labourers in the area.

As part of the measures, the police have decided to form a committee involving departments and organisations concerned and representatives of local people and migrants to address the law and order issues relating to the migrant population and local people, the police said on Sunday.

Perumbavoor sub-divisional police officer will be the convener of the committee, while the inspector of police, Perumbavoor station, will be the joint convener. Heads of Perumbavoor municipality and Vengola and Vazhakulam grama panchayats, as well as representatives of political, religious and cultural forums, will be the office-bearers of the panel.

The committee will be formed with the aim of conducting a comprehensive study into the alleged drug and alcohol use and related crimes among the migrant population and taking necessary steps. The committee will meet every month, and the police will chalk out their strategy based on the inputs from the meetings.

Earlier this week, the District Police Chief held a meeting with residents of Perumbavoor and assured action against offenders involved in the drug trade and other illegal activities. He also warned of strict action against vigilante activities by residents.