Kerala man arrested for growing cannabis plants outside apartment

representative image | Photo credit: Getty Images via AFP

As part of the Kerala Police’s state-wide anti-drug drive ‘Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt’, the Pallithottam police in Kollam on Sunday arrested a 44-year-old man for allegedly cultivating cannabis plants. The accused, identified as Joseph Dean Michael alias Jose, a resident of an apartment in Pallithottam, was arrested following a raid on Sunday morning.

The action was taken on the tip-off of District Superintendent of Police (Kollam City) Hemalath M. During the search, the police found 22 cannabis plants grown in polythene bags right outside the flat of the accused. Investigators revealed that the suspect was growing and drying marijuana with the clear intent to sell it.

According to the police, the accused has a criminal record. Joseph is a habitual offender who was arrested earlier in 2019 by the Pallithottam Police under the POCSO Act. Further investigations further revealed that he was convicted in a narcotics case registered by the Visakhapatnam police in Andhra Pradesh for possession of nearly four kilograms of cannabis, an offense for which he served a three-year sentence.

Ms. Hemalatha said the Kollam City Police will continue to intensify strict checks and raids under ‘Operation Toofan’ to curb the production, cultivation, storage, smuggling and sale of illegal substances. She also called on the public to proactively report any such illegal activity to the nearest police station or concerned law enforcers.

Published – 6 Jul 2026 10:05 AM IST