Coimbatore police have launched a concerted effort to identify and apprehend individuals, including a group of youths referred to as ‘zombie youth,’ who have been prominently featured in viral videos depicting drug abuse. The intensified operation comes in the wake of mounting concerns over the circulation of such explicit content and its potential to normalize or encourage illicit substance use.
Viral Videos Spark Police Action
The videos, which have rapidly spread across social media platforms, show individuals engaging in drug consumption, with some exhibiting behavior consistent with severe substance abuse. The graphic nature of the footage has prompted swift action from law enforcement agencies who are working to trace the origins of the videos and identify the people involved. The police aim to not only apprehend those seen in the videos but also to dismantle any associated drug networks operating within the city.
Broader Crackdown on Drug Menace
This specific initiative is part of a larger, ongoing campaign by the Tamil Nadu police to combat the pervasive issue of drug trafficking and abuse across the state. Recent reports indicate a significant increase in the seizure of various narcotics, including pharmaceutical drugs, ganja, and other illicit substances. Between 2021 and 2025, Tamil Nadu police seized over 107 tonnes of ganja, 321,000 tablets of pharmaceutical drugs, and 1,223 kg of other narcotics. This data underscores the scale of the challenge and the continuous efforts required to curb the drug trade.
In Coimbatore, in particular, there have been multiple instances that highlight the drug problem. In March 2026, four drug peddlers were arrested with 100 kg of ganja, which they were allegedly selling to college students. Earlier, in February 2026, four individuals were apprehended for selling cannabis and narcotics. A report from March 2025 detailed the arrest of two youths after a video of them injecting a prescription drug went viral, leading to charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
Intelligence-Led Operations and Surveillance
Law enforcement agencies are employing a multi-pronged strategy that includes enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering, and community engagement. The use of social media by police to raise awareness against drug abuse has also been noted, with efforts to educate students about the dangers of drug usage and to break the supply chain. Special teams have been formed to investigate such incidents, leveraging technology and information shared by the public to identify and apprehend drug offenders.
The Tamil Nadu police have been actively working to control the drug menace by seizing supplies, detaining offenders, and freezing properties linked to drug trade. Initiatives such as anti-drug clubs in schools and colleges, and awareness campaigns, are also part of the broader strategy to create a drug-free state. The police acknowledge that drug syndicates are evolving their tactics, as seen in the seizure of ganja-infused chocolates targeting students, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance and adaptive enforcement measures.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite these efforts, the challenge remains significant, with illicit drugs often being trafficked from other states. The police are focused on dismantling inter-state and international drug cartels through intensive investigation and coordinated operations. The ongoing crackdown in Coimbatore and across Tamil Nadu reflects a commitment to addressing the drug problem at its roots, from tackling street-level peddlers to disrupting the financial networks that support the trade.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
