Excise Squad Nabs Uttar Pradesh Man for Smuggling 872 g Cannabis‑Laced Candies in Kozhikode

Excise officials in Kozhikode have arrested a 31‑year‑old man from Uttar Pradesh for smuggling 872 g of cannabis‑infused candies aimed at students. The man, identified as Pintu, a native of Hapur, was stopped after a tip‑off led officers to a scooter where the sweets were hidden under the seat. The seizure took place on October 28, 2026, at about 07:27 pm IST. Authorities say the candies were brought from Uttar Pradesh specifically to reach schools, colleges and small‑scale vendors across the city. The packaging was designed for easy hand‑out to children and young adults. Preliminary checks suggest Pintu intended to distribute the drugs in several parts of Kozhikode. The Excise department’s special squad has widened the probe to locate any absconding accomplices and other agents linked to the network. Officials describe Pintu as a key operative in a larger ring that moves narcotics from northern states to Kerala. In response, the department has asked school authorities to tighten inspections and monitoring to stop similar trafficking. Parents have been urged to watch for unfamiliar sweets being offered to their kids. The case highlights ongoing efforts by Kerala’s excise wing to curb drug inflow from other regions.

Context

Drug smuggling from Uttar Pradesh to South Indian states has risen in recent years, with traffickers often using everyday items like sweets to hide substances and target young consumers.