Coimbatore: Police have seized a large cache of weapons and banned substances, including cannabis, from student hostels across Coimbatore, triggering shock and concern among authorities.

Acting on intelligence that cannabis was being sold and consumed in private hostels, police teams raided multiple locations, including Malumichampatti near Chettipalayam. The raids revealed that some students were involved in selling cannabis and other prohibited items like gutkha and tobacco products.

Investigators also discovered that payments for drug sales were being made through UPI transactions.

Significantly, a large number of weapons were recovered from student rooms during the searches, raising fears of organized illegal activities. Several students are currently under investigation, police said.

Similar raids were carried out in Kovilpalayam, Chettipalayam, and Madukkarai.

A total of 90 police teams comprising 412 personnel have been deployed across the district to conduct intensive inspections and curb drug circulation in hostels.

Preliminary investigations indicate that cannabis distribution is widespread in student accommodations, and efforts are underway to trace the supply network.

Police officials have proposed stringent measures, including regular inspections of all government, private, and rented student hostels.

Hostel wardens and college principals will be required to sign undertakings ensuring drug-free premises. Wardens will also be directed to personally inspect rooms and report any violations.

Authorities are planning a meeting with hostel wardens soon to enforce these guidelines and prevent further incidents.