Kerala's Thamarasserry struggles to curb drug smuggling from Karnataka

Thiruvananthapuram: Thamarassery, known for its scenic mountain pass through the Western Ghats between Kerala and Karnataka, is now becoming infamous as a hub of narcotic substances which are mostly being smuggled from Karnataka.

Of late, Thamarassery region, which is in the rural parts of Kozhikode district bordering Wayanad, witnessed a series of incidents of youths involved in narcotic substance abuse indulging in heinous crimes like killing their own family members. At least 120 drug related cases were reported in the region over the last one year. On Friday as well 58 grams of MDMA was seized from a history-sheeter in the locality.

Kozhikode deputy excise commissioner M Sugunan told DH that the sources of most of the drug cases, especially synthetic drugs, in the region can be traced to Karnataka.

"Thamarassery is the major town after entering Kerala through Wayanad from Karnataka. From Thamarassery people can move easily towards three directions - Kozhikode, Malappuram and Kannur sides. That is the reason why the Thamarassery region has become a hub of drug distribution," he said.

District police chief K E Baiju too said that sources of most of the drug cases being reported in the region are places like Bengaluru and Goa. "There is a large floating population in the Thamarassery region, which makes the enforcement more challenging," he said.

Suspicious vehicles from Karnataka are also being frequently checked by the police and excise department.

Police forces of southern states are also carrying out joint operations by sharing information regarding drug trafficking. As a result, a couple of foreign nationals who were part of the Bengaluru-based drug trafficking rackets to Kerala were held earlier this month.

Mahal committees and local people start counter actions

The mahal committees in Thamarssery region have also swung into action against the increasing drug cases involving youths.

Many mahal committees have decided not to entertain those involved in drug cases for any activities related to the mahals. Such youth would not be issued documents required for getting married so as to ensure the safety of the prospective brides.

The mahal committees are also carrying out massive awareness against drug use and trade.

Local people also formed groups to counter the drug lobbies. Many among them are even facing threats from the rackets. One person was even attacked for installing a surveillance camera towards the road in front of his house owing to the activities of drug mafias.

Recently a youth killed his mother, while another youth killed his wife the other day. Both the youths were drug users and friends. In another recent incident in the region, a youth involved in drug abuse killed his brother. Another youth recently died after swallowing MDMA packets to evade police frisking.