Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 23 May 2024
In a decisive move to combat illegal drug trade and ensure community safety, the Aberdeen Police Station in South Andaman District successfully seized 2.85 kilograms of illicit ganja and 15 grams of methamphetamine, resulting in the arrest of two individuals involved in drug peddling.
On May 20, 2024, acting on credible information, authorities received a tip-off about an individual named Kartick, who was employed at a pharmacy in Buniyadabad. Kartick was allegedly in possession of illicit ganja at his residence in Middle Point, intending to sell it at a high price.
A team led by Inspector Mithun Kirtania and consisting of SI P. Jeevan, HC Vinod Kumar, PCs Jairaj, P. Mohd Rafique, Jagdish Babu, and Mamta, along with two independent witnesses, raided Kartick’s house. The raid resulted in the discovery of 15 grams of methamphetamine and 250 grams of ganja, packaged in 10 plastic pouches. Additionally, ₹27,400 in cash, a digital weighing machine, and packaging materials were seized.
Kartick, arrested under the NDPS Act, revealed during interrogation that he was involved in the illegal drug trade with Mahesh, a resident of Junglighat and a BCA graduate from JNRM College. Mahesh, who operated a travel agency named “Travel with Andaman” from his home, allegedly sourced the drugs from the mainland to sell locally at higher prices. They prepared multiple 25-gram pouches of ganja, selling each for ₹5,000.
Further investigation led to the recovery of an additional 2.6 kilograms of ganja from Kartick’s workplace. The drugs were found in 60 plastic pouches, each containing 25 grams, and a sealed pack of 1.1 kilograms stored in Kartick’s personal locker at the pharmacy. Despite attempts by Mahesh to remove the drugs from the pharmacy, he was apprehended and also charged under the NDPS Act.
The entire operation, conducted under the supervision of SDPO Yogita Sharma (DANIPS) and SP Niharika Bhatt (IPS), led to the seizure of 2.85 kilograms of ganja and 15 grams of methamphetamine.
The South Andaman District Police reiterate their zero-tolerance policy towards organised crime and urge the public to report any information related to the sale or possession of contraband or other illegal activities. Citizens can contact the police at 100, 03192-232400, or 03192-236641, with the assurance that the identity of informers will remain confidential. In emergencies, the public can call 112 for assistance.