Chennai, 13 July (H.S.) : A recent crackdown by the Chennai Police’s Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Unit (ANIU) has revealed a disturbing trend: one in three individuals arrested for peddling synthetic drugs in the city over the past 10 months is below the age of 25. The alarming involvement of youth, particularly college students, in the drug trade has raised concerns about the growing menace of synthetic drugs like methamphetamine in Chennai, with easy money being a key motivator, according to police findings.

The ANIU’s operations, intensified over the last 10 months, have led to the dismantling of 54 drug cartel networks and the arrest of over 534 peddlers, including 26 foreign nationals. A senior police officer noted that the networks trafficking ganja and synthetic drugs like meth operate independently, with no overlap detected. The lure of quick cash has drawn many young individuals, including students, into methamphetamine peddling, as highlighted by Greater Chennai City Police Commissioner A. Arun during a press conference on July 12, 2025.

A significant breakthrough came following a pub brawl in Nungambakkam, which unraveled a major drug peddling network. This incident led to the arrests of actors Srikanth and Krishna, who were later released on conditional bail by the Madras High Court on July 9, 2025. The police have since expanded their surveillance, monitoring pubs, hotels, and private venues to curb the drug trade. Regular checks and intelligence-led operations have reduced drug use in city pubs, according to Commissioner Arun.

Recent arrests further underscore the scale of the issue. On July 3, 2025, Arumbakkam Police apprehended two individuals, Anthony and Deepak, leading to the arrests of Arvind Balaji (31) and Subash (30) on July 3, and Ajith Kannan on July 5, all linked to a methamphetamine network. Additionally, a 28-year-old doctor, Dr. Eshwar, was arrested on July 11 for his alleged involvement in a synthetic drug racket, highlighting the involvement of professionals in the trade.

The police are urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to aid their efforts in eradicating the drug menace. With Chennai’s youth increasingly entangled in synthetic drug peddling, authorities are emphasizing stricter enforcement and awareness campaigns to address this growing crisis.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary