Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 27 July 2025
In a significant anti-narcotics operation, a 27-year-old youth from Sri Vijaya Puram was apprehended by Chatham Police near Haddo Wharf on Saturday evening for alleged possession of methamphetamine—a highly addictive and dangerous synthetic drug. The accused was found carrying 10.42 grams of the banned substance, leading to his arrest under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Based on a tip-off, Inspector Ranga Raj, SHO, PS Chatham, informed SDPO South Andaman, Mr. Ajay Kumar Rai (DANIPS). Following procedure, a special raiding team was constituted consisting of Inspector Ranga Raj, Head Constable Nitish Kumar Podder, Constables Hasif Hussain, S.M. Krishna and Police Constable (Driver) Viswajeet Ram.
The team proceeded to Haddo Wharf and, at around 6:35 PM, intercepted a blue Yamaha R15 motorcycle (Reg. No. AN01 Q 3104) based on the information received. A personal search of the 27-year-old rider, conducted in the presence of SDPO Ajay Kumar Rai, led to the recovery of a transparent polythene pouch containing a crystalline substance. Field testing confirmed it to be methamphetamine, and the total weight was measured at 10.42 grams.
Independent witnesses were present during the search and seizure. The recovered drug and vehicle were formally seized, and the entire operation was videographed as per legal procedure. The accused was arrested on the spot and taken to Chatham Police Station.
Methamphetamine—commonly known as “meth” or “ice”—is a potent central nervous system stimulant. It is known for its high potential for abuse and addiction. Even small quantities can cause severe psychological and physiological harm, including hallucinations, aggression, paranoia, and long-term neurological damage.
An FIR under Section 22(b) of the NDPS Act, 1985 was registered at PS Chatham.
The Chatham Police’s swift and coordinated action underscores their commitment to curbing the menace of synthetic drugs in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
