Suspected narcotics worth nearly ₹1.5 crore were seized by law enforcement agencies in Thiruvananthapuram division alone this year, with agencies stepping up anti-drug operations ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. Data on drug seizures by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and other agencies between January and the first week of March indicate that railways remain a key route for the trafficking of narcotics, especially ganja.
During this period, the agencies seized 206.13 kg of suspected ganja worth over ₹1 million from railway passengers. The agencies also seized 13.6 kg of hashish worth ₹40 crore.
The data shows a sharp increase in seizures in February compared to the previous month, with agencies intercepting attempts to smuggle 145.40 kg of suspected ganja in the second month, compared to 29.44 kg in January. While only five cases were detected in January, the number doubled to 10 in February. The upward trend appears to have continued in March with the seizure of 31.29 kg of suspected ganja in four cases in the first seven days.
The cases were reported between Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur railway stations, most from Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town, RPF sources said. “The recent increase in seizures appears to be a result of increased surveillance following a directive from the Election Commission of India. In most cases, the migrants were found to be carrying ganja,” an RPF official said.
This period also saw the seizure of contraband, including banned tobacco products and unauthorized Indian Foreign Liquor (IMFL), worth ₹2.2 lakh from railway passengers. A total of 25 kg of banned tobacco products and 18 liters of IMFL were seized. Controls were carried out by the RPF, and the State Railway Police and Excise were often involved in the operations.
Published – 09 March 2026 20:29 IST
