The Kozhikode City police have registered 415 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and arrested 523 suspects so far this year, as anti-drug enforcement drive gains momentum in the city.

The intensified crackdown has reportedly led to the seizure of 2.65 kg of MDMA, 51.47 kg of ganja and other narcotic substances in the city alone, besides action against repeat offenders and properties allegedly linked to drug trafficking.

According to data released by the District Crime Records Bureau (Kozhikode City), 21 of the cases detected this year involved commercial quantities of narcotic substances, while nine were classified as medium-quantity cases and 23 as small-quantity cases. A total of 340 cases were registered separately for possession and use of drugs for personal consumption.

The seizures made during the year include nearly 10 grams of methamphetamine and 16.91 grams of brown sugar. Officials with the anti-narcotics squad attribute the increase in detections to close surveillance, intelligence-based operations, and intensified flash inspections.

The police have stepped up vigil under the newly launched ‘Operation Toofan’ special drive in Kozhikode city. The operation has resulted in the registration of 46 cases and the arrest of 46 persons.

Of the cases detected under the special drive, one involved a medium quantity of narcotic substances, while six were classified as small-quantity cases and 39 were related to personal consumption. The seizures made during the drive included 5.99 grams of MDMA and 190.85 grams of ganja.

Enforcement measures have also been extended to preventive detention and financial investigations. Under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, six proposals seeking the detention of suspected drug traffickers have been submitted to higher authorities this year. According to anti-narcotics squad members, one detention order has been received so far.

The authorities have also initiated proceedings under Section 68F of the NDPS Act to identify and freeze assets suspected to have been acquired through the proceeds of drug trafficking. Properties have already been frozen in two cases this year, including one vehicle and two bank accounts.

Officials with the District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force said anti-drug operations, monitoring of repeat offenders and awareness programmes would continue as part of efforts to curb drug abuse. This year, focus would be given to ensuring that school and college students do not fall prey to drug trafficking rackets, they said.