Idukki: A private bus checker has been arrested for smuggling 6.5 kilograms of dried ganja in a car. The accused is M K Abbas (52), a resident of Eramalloor, under Kothamangalam taluk in Ernakulam district.

He was taken into custody by the Narcotic Enforcement Squad near Irumbupalam’s Patham Mile area. The arrest was made during a routine inspection conducted by the Enforcement Squad, which led to the seizure of 6.590 kg of cannabis concealed in a Maruti Swift car bearing the registration number KL-25-G-2921.

According to Excise officials, Abbas was employed as a checker on the Adimali-Munnar private bus route. He allegedly travelled to Odisha to procure the contraband and was transporting it to Adimali for illegal sale when he was intercepted.

The Excise Department suspects the involvement of a larger network, indicating that Abbas might not be operating alone. Efforts are underway to trace the rest of the cannabis stock and identify other members of the smuggling ring. Investigators are also gathering information about those who regularly supply cannabis to the region.

The operation was led by Excise Inspector Rahul Shashi, along with Assistant Excise Inspector (Grade) N K Dileep, Preventive Officer (Grade) Biju Mathew, Civil Excise Officers Nelson Mathew, Abdul Latheef, Yaduvamsh Raj, Muhammed Shan, Subin P Varghese, Ali Ashkar, and driver Nithin Johny. The accused was presented before the court and has been remanded in custody.