CHENNAI: What began with the seizure of 380 narcotic tablets from a 26-year-old man during a routine vehicle check in Tiruvallur led police through multiple layers of a suspected drug distribution network to a godown in Erode, where more than 70,000 tablets were found stored. Eight people have been apprehended in the operation, police said.The investigation began on Sept 1 when police conducting vehicle checks at Manavalanagar Junction intercepted Saravanan, 26, of Urapakkam. Finding his movements suspicious, police searched him and seized 380 narcotic tablets. He was subsequently arrested.During questioning, Saravanan told investigators that the tablets had been supplied by his friend Udhayam, 19, of Poonamallee, who was then in Erode. Acting on the information, a team led by Tiruvallur Town inspector Dhamodharan travelled to Erode and apprehended Udhayam, Sanjay, 20, of Lakkapuram, and Sanjay’s brother Naveen Kumar, 18. Police recovered more tablets from them.The trail then led police further up the supply chain. Sanjay told police that he had obtained the tablets from Tamilselvan, 33, of Perundurai and supplied them to Udhayam. Police subsequently apprehended Tamilselvan and Arul Prakash, 52, of Vadakku Mukkam in Erode district.During questioning, Tamilselvan gave investigators information about a large stock of tablets kept in a godown behind Madhu Medicals in Erode. Police searched the premises and seized around 70,790 tablets.Further investigation led police to Gopalakrishnan, 30, who worked at Tamilselvan’s shop, and Thangamani, proprietor of Madhu Medicals. Both were subsequently apprehended for questioning. Police said the operation across Tiruvallur and Erode resulted in the seizure of 72,170 tablets.A case was registered at Manavalanagar police station. Tiruvallur SP V V Sai Praneeth said investigators were now working backwards through the network to identify those who supplied the drugs and trace the money trail. “We will possibly trace all the links and eradicate the network,” he said.
