COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore city police arrested 273 people and registered 215 cases during an intensive month-long storming operation conducted between July 8 and Aug 8, 2026.According to official data released by the police department, special raids and vehicle checks were carried out across the city to curtail the movement of contraband and eradicate illegal substances.Police registered 62 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and arrested 103 offenders. The seizures included 107 kg of ganja, 2,321 painkiller tablets, 210 bottles of unknown narcotic drugs, 5.55 grams of methamphetamine and Rs 34,600 in cash. Additionally, police confiscated 23 vehicles –3 four-wheelers and 20 two-wheelers — used for smuggling.To combat the illicit tobacco trade, 109 cases were filed under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), leading to the arrest of 118 people and the recovery of 1,778 kg of banned tobacco products. A four-wheeler, three two-wheelers and two autorickshaws were seized in connection with these violations.Under prohibition enforcement, officers registered 44 cases, arrested 52 people and seized 107.8 litres of Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) along with two two-wheelers.Senior police officials warned that such special operations, raids and strict vigilance would continue relentlessly in the coming days to eliminate substance abuse and make Coimbatore a completely drug-free city.
