The Nedumkandam police seized ganja and painkiller tablets typically prescribed for cancer patients from three youths in Nedumkandam and arrested them on Thursday night.

According to the police, the youths were using the cancer medication intravenously. The arrested individuals have been identified as Francis (22), Ansil (22), and Jamin (25), all residents of Nedumkandam.

An inspection carried out by a team led by Nedumkandam sub-inspector Lijo P. Mani, as part of the ‘Toofan’ anti-drug drive, spotted the youths under suspicious circumstances by the roadside in the Nedumkandam police station limits in Idukki.

During a search, the police recovered a strong painkiller administered to cancer patients after chemotherapy from a bag carried by the youths. The police also recovered syringes from them. One of the accused, Jamin, was caught while consuming ganja.

The police stated that the youths procured the prescription tablets through a medical store in Kattappana. Officials added that strict legal action will be taken against both the medical store and the middleman who procured the restricted painkillers for the arrested.