Police teams in nine districts falling under the central zone had seized 698 kg of ganja this year and arrested 977 persons in this connection.  The teams had confiscated 63 two-wheelers, a three-wheeler and four four-wheelers from the accused involved in the sale of ganja.

A total of 797 cases were booked in nine districts with the highest number of 198 cases registered in Mayiladuthurai district followed by 142 cases in Thanjavur, 134 cases Tiruchi, 91 cases in Karur, 79 in Tiruvarur, 60 in Pudukottai, 41 in Nagapattinam, and 26 each in Perambalur and Ariyalur districts. Of those arrested, five hail from other States and 55 are from other districts. The teams had arrested 26 persons who had sold ganja in bulk quantities and sent them to judicial custody. 

Similarly, action was taken in nine districts against sale of banned tobacco substances leading to the seizure of 16,714 kg of banned gutkha this year. A total of 32 two-wheelers; two three-wheelers, and 33 four-wheelers were confiscated by the police teams in the central zone with the number of persons arrested being 1,390, including 35 from other States.

The highest number of 356 cases booked in connection with the seizure of banned tobacco substances was in Tiruchi district followed by 245 in Mayiladuthurai district, 189 in Thanjavur, 136 in Tiruvarur, 110 cases in Karur, 68 in Perambalur, and 42 each in Ariyalur and Nagapattinam districts.  The drives against the sale of banned tobacco substances would continue in the central zone, a police press release said.