Cleared – maniChennai: A 45-year-old man was arrested by Choolaimedu police for smuggling the banned gutkha tobacco products in an auto-rickshaw near the Arumbakkam Metro Rail Station. Police seized 445.5 kg of gutkha packets, an auto-rickshaw and a light commercial vehicle during the operation. Police identified the accused as Vetrivel of Kodungaiyur. According to police, the arrest was made on Friday during the anti-narcotics and anti-contraband enforcement drives ordered by the Chennai city police commissioner.Acting on a tip-off, a police team led by the inspector of Choolaimedu police station conducted vehicle checks near the Arumbakkam Metro Rail Station. During the inspection, officers intercepted an auto-rickshaw and found bundles of gutkha tobacco packets concealed inside the vehicle. Police registered a case and arrested Vetrivel for illegally transporting banned tobacco products. During interrogation, Vetrivel disclosed that the gutkha packets were transferred from a commercial vehicle parked near a travel agency close to the metro station. He told investigators that he was transporting the contraband for distribution to another location. Based on the information, police searched the parked commercial vehicle and seized additional bundles of gutkha packets. In total, police seized 445.5 kg of gutkha products, one auto-rickshaw and one commercial vehicle connected to the smuggling operation. Investigators also found that Vetrivel has a previous gutkha-related case pending against him at Triplicane police station. Vetrivel was remanded in judicial custody on Friday. MSID:: 130977325 413 |
