Police demolish ‘illegal’ roadside shop in Idukkki over drug trade allegations

The Santhanpara police recently demolished an ‘illegal’ roadside shop in Pooppara, Idukki, which had allegedly been selling drugs and had became a major hub for illicit trade. The crackdown was carried out as part of ‘Operation Toofan,’ a Statewide anti-drugs campaign.

Santhanpara Station House Officer (SHO) S. Saralal said the police found that Pooppara resident K.E. Eeshwaran, 47, was allegedly selling drugs at his roadside shop, which is under the Santhanpara police station limits.

“The police had earlier registered over 15 cases against the shop owner, who had previously paid fines in court for selling illegal substances. We warned the owner multiple times to stop, but he continued his activities. Recently, the police directed him to vacate the premises, but he approached the Kerala High Court and secured a stay on the proceedings. We then submitted a report to the Santhanpara panchayat secretary urging to remove the illegal structure, pointing out that the shop had become a hub for drug trade,” the officer said.

Based on the police report, the panchayat secretary issued an eviction notice to the shop owner. The owner challenged this notice in the High Court as well. However, the court sought a statement of facts regarding the allegations.

“The police submitted a detailed report outlining the drug sales, past cases, and fines against the owner. Based on this report, the court dismissed the petition filed by the shop owner,” Mr. Saralal added. Following the court’s dismissal, the police demolished the shop in the presence and support of the Santhanpara panchayat officials.

According to the police, migrant workers were the primary customers, and investigations revealed that the shop was generating nearly ₹1 lakh in daily drug sales.

“After consuming the drugs, the workers would create law-and-order situations in Pooppara—a town that connects the Munnar-Thekkady and Munnar-Bodimettu interstate routes. Vehicles transporting workers from other States were reportedly supplying these drugs to the roadside shop in large quantities,” the officer said.

Meanwhile, under the Operation Toofan, the police have registered 195 cases across five police sub-districts in Idukki, resulting in the arrest of 207 accused individuals.