Police demolish an ‘illegal’ roadside shop in Idukki on allegations of drug peddling

Police and panchayat officials demolish a roadside shop at Poopara in Idukki. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Santhanpara police recently demolished an “illegal” roadside shop in Pooppara, Idukki, which was allegedly selling drugs and had become a major hub for illicit trade. The raid was carried out as part of “Operation Toofan”, a nationwide anti-drug campaign.

Santhanpara Station House Officer (SHO) S. Saralal said the police found that a Pooppara resident, KE Eeshwaran, 47, was allegedly selling drugs at his roadside shop, which is under Santhanpara police station limits.

“The police had earlier registered more than 15 cases against a shop owner who had previously paid fines in court for selling illegal substances. We warned the owner several times to stop, but he continued his activities. Recently, the police ordered him to vacate the premises, but he approached the Kerala High Court and secured a stay. We then submitted a report to the Santhanpara panchayat that the drug trade secretary became the drug trade secretary and urged the elimination of the illegal drug trade.” he said.

Based on the police report, the panchayat secretary issued an eviction notice to the shop owner. The owner also challenged this notice in the High Court. However, the court required a statement of facts regarding the allegations.

“The police submitted a detailed report about the sale of drugs, past cases and fines against the owner. Based on this report, the court dismissed the petition of the shop owner,” Saralal added. After the court’s dismissal, the police demolished the shop in the presence and support of Santhanpara panchayat officials.

According to the police, the primary customers were migrant workers and investigations revealed that the shop generated nearly ₹100,000 in daily drug sales.

“After consuming the drugs, the laborers would create a law and order situation in Pooppara – a town that connects the Munnar-Thekkady and Munnar-Bodimettu interstate routes. Vehicles carrying laborers from other states allegedly supplied these drugs to the roadside trade in large quantities,” the officer said.

Meanwhile, under Operation Toofan, the police registered 195 cases in five police sub-districts in Idukki, leading to the arrest of 207 accused persons.

Published – 25 Jun 2026 20:08 IST