Kasargod: In a major crackdown, police seized 1.94 lakh packets of banned tobacco products, 60 kilograms of tobacco powder and ₹89,432 in cash during raids conducted at three locations in the district. A car used in the smuggling operation was also taken into custody.

A Rashid (31) of Chettukuzhi House, Hidayath Nagar in Madur and H. Muhammed Ashraf (32) of Pallam House, National Nagar in Uliyathadukka, were arrested in connection with the case.

The first seizure, 1,14,878 packets of banned tobacco and 60 kg of tobacco powder, was made by a team led by Kumbala Inspector P K Jijesh during a raid near the Mogral Bridge on the night of August 3. A. Rashid was apprehended at the scene but was later released after being served a legal notice.

In a separate raid, a team led by Women’s Station Sub-Inspector K Ajitha, along with DANSAF members, discovered 3,509 packets of banned tobacco hidden in sacks in the hall of a vacant house in Chettukuzhi, Vidyanagar. Civil Police Officer K Shruthy and driver Narayana were also part of the team. The police suspect the house belongs to Rashid.

Another team, led by Vidyanagar Sub-Inspector P K Abbas, seized 43,358 packets of banned tobacco products from a rented house in Chettukuzhi. A case was registered against Rashid and H. Muhammed Ashraf (32) in connection with this raid.

Both the accused arrived in a car at the scene just as the police were wrapping up the raid. Officers seized ₹ 89,432 from them. The money is  believed to have been collected from retail distributors.

According to the police, A Rashid is a key figure in a racket that supplies banned tobacco products to districts including Kasargod and Kannur. Members of the raiding team also included Vidyanagar ASI Kochurani, Senior Civil Police Officer K Narayanan, Civil Police Officers Unnikrishnan, Krishnanunni, Control Room SI K Sudheerkumar and Civil Police Officers Kiran Babu and Rupesh.

Combing operation
Numerous cases were registered during a combing operation held at the Kannur range level. The raids were conducted on the orders of District Police Chief B V Vijay Bharath Reddy and under the supervision of DySPs.

The operation resulted in the execution of around 95 warrants. Police also verified about 10 individuals listed in the 'goonda' list. In addition 24 cases were registered under the NDPS Act.