Abandoned buildings in Kozhikode turn safe dens for drug peddlers

Gangs take advantage of poor surveillance, fear of local residents

Poor surveillance of abandoned government and private buildings within city limits has come as a boon for many drug peddlers in Kozhikode. Late-night meetups for selling smuggled drugs are now common at these buildings, taking advantage of local residents’ reluctance to enter such premises out of fear. Buildings near Kozhikode and Vellayil railway stations now top the list where some of the rough sleepers are also reportedly helping drug peddlers for a quick buck and drugs. Miscreants have also started using a number of deserted buildings along the Kozhikode beach road.