Tamil Nadu South Zone police arrested 49 people and registered 35 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act during a coordinated one-day anti-drug operation across all districts and cities in the zone on Tuesday, 3 November 2026.[1] Teams carried out simultaneous checks, targeted searches and enforcement activities at identified drug hotspots, railway stations and other vulnerable locations.[2] The operation was aimed at curbing drug trafficking and abuse.[3]

Police seized 43 kg of narcotic substances, including ganja and hashish, during the operation.[2] Authorities also organised 518 awareness programmes across the South Zone to educate the public, particularly youngsters, about the dangers of drug abuse and encourage community participation in prevention.[2]

Inspector General of Police, South Zone, Vijayendra S Bidari said enforcement had intensified this year, with police registering 3,146 NDPS cases and arresting 4,636 accused in 2026 and seizing 2,853 kg of narcotic substances so far.[2] Investigation and prosecution efforts had resulted in convictions in 939 NDPS cases, with 1,189 people convicted.[2] Personnel had been directed to maintain continuous surveillance in vulnerable areas, monitor known drug offenders, strengthen intelligence gathering and dismantle drug distribution networks.[3] The synchronised operation reflected the police’s firm commitment to disrupting drug networks, protecting youth and building drug-free villages, with police maintaining zero tolerance towards drug abuse and trafficking.[3]