Chikkamagaluru police intensify drive against ganja trade

Chikkamagaluru: With the increase in cases of ganja peddling, Chikkamagaluru police have intensified their drive against the illegal trade. Police seized more than eight kilos of ganja and took several individuals into custody. SP Vikram Amathe warned of stern action against ganja peddling.
Police recently seized nearly eight kg of ganja. While CEN police seized 3.9 kg of ganja, Chikkamagaluru Rural Police seized five kg while it was being transported in an autorickshaw.
According to locals, youths park vehicles on the roadside and smoke ganja. They also enter coffee estates or abandoned locations to smoke ganja, said a resident of Koppa.
A police officer said it would be difficult to trace individuals inside estates and forest-like areas. "However, the department is monitoring suspects. Police have adopted zero tolerance towards ganja smuggling as it is directly linked to increased crime in the region. The drive against ganja will be increased in the days to come," the officer said.
Police did not deny the cultivation of ganja in remote areas, and mentioned that many people transport it from neighbouring districts. People, including tourists might carry ganja, and a strict warning was issued to the accommodation facilitators against the use of ganja.