Chennai: In a major crackdown on drugs, the Tambaram City Police have seized over 5,000 ganja-laced chocolates and arrested 11 individuals, including seven engineering students, following extensive searches across the southern suburbs of Chennai.

According to a police release, nearly 100 personnel led by an Assistant Commissioner conducted simultaneous searches at 12 locations, including five apartment complexes.

The operation resulted in the seizure of 166 grams of ganja, 5,250 ganja chocolates, hookah-related items from unauthorized hookah centres, banned tobacco products, and 10 mobile phones used for drug sales.

The raids were conducted on July 26 in Potheri, Maraimalai Nagar, and Kattankulathur — areas under the jurisdiction of the Tambaram City Police Commissionerate.

Of the 11 arrested, seven were B.Tech students. Police said seven cases were registered at the Maraimalai Nagar Police Station under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003.

The special team is continuing its probe into the supply chain and distribution network, aiming to identify and dismantle drug peddling syndicates.

“Strong and sustained efforts are underway to completely dismantle the network and eliminate the drug menace in the region,” the statement said.

So far in 2025, 318 NDPS-related cases have been registered in the Tambaram jurisdiction. A total of 1,516 kg of ganja has been seized, and 341 individuals arrested for possession, distribution, and trafficking of narcotics.

Additionally, 1,208 kg of contraband has been destroyed as per legal protocols. Eleven habitual offenders have been detained under the Goondas Act, underscoring the police's firm stance against organised and repeat offenders.

Tambaram, situated on the southern outskirts of Chennai, is considered the gateway to southern Tamil Nadu.