Increasing incidents of synthetic drug abuse between private and tourist buses in the Kozhikode district have caused serious security concerns between commuting serious security concerns, and the police reported an increase in confidential complaints of passengers and inhabitants.
Several recent arrests and seizures indicate a worrying trend with references to growing traffic accidents on the main routes such as Kozhikode – Kuttiyadi, Kuttiyadi – Perambra and Kozhikode – Kannur.
In one recent case, a private bus driver on the Kozhikode – Thiruvambadi route was arrested by the Kunnamangalam Police after the passenger woman tilted the authorities for his suspicion of drug use. He was reportedly found with 2 GM Ganja and ceded in judicial link according to the Act on Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (NDPS). Passengers previously made repeated complaints about drivers on the same route.
The incident is part of a growing list. In February 2025, Faijaz, the driver in the Perumanna bus booth, was caught by a suspicious cannabis when operating the bus. The police seized the vehicle and reportedly found more smuggled in its possession. In the same month, drivers of P. Aneesh (44 years) and P. Sanal Kumar (45 years), were arrested by special action forces against narcotics in the district for reportedly smuggling 31.7 grams of suspicious MDMA from Bengalur. Investigators said the duo used social media platforms for its drug conduct.
Other big seizures in February included KK Mohammed Shafeeque, a driver based in Bengalur, who was charged from the Kozhikode Moofussil bus stand with 254.85 grams of suspicious MDMA.
Community organizations and passenger forums urged the government to study the scope of drug abuse between drivers and expand strict countermeasures. Angels (an accredited network group of emergency rescue savings), which has long identified drug use as the cause of accidents, said its proposals for preventive measures were ignored.
Meanwhile wearers of private buses quoted a serious lack of qualified drivers as an obstacle to independent screening or replacing perpetrators. However, they expressed support for enforcement efforts, but claimed that only a permanent government intervention would deal with imminent threats.
The Senior District Police Officer with the Anti-Narcotik team said that units for ordinary dresses are now watching bus drivers. The cooperation of the passenger, he added, will be essential in strengthening the upcoming special units against the threat.
Published – 3 October 2025 17:26
