Intelligence gathering from migrants a challenge for enforcement agencies

Frequent relocation by drug peddlers, users among reasons

Even as the excise and the police have ratcheted up the intensity of enforcement drive in the face of surging drug-related cases in the district, the collection of intelligence from among the migrant community continues to remain a major impediment.

With migrants doubling up both as carriers and users, especially ganja, information from the group is considered critical. “We had successfully cultivated a source in the community in Perumbavoor sometime ago. But a solitary source is far from adequate and makes him vulnerable to be exposed at some point bringing brutal retribution in its wake. It is ideal to have multiple sources and to keep them changing so that they don’t raise suspicion among the community,” said P.V. Aleyas, Deputy Excise Commissioner, Ernakulam.

The frequent relocation of those engaged in handling drugs pose another challenge to enforcement agencies. “While keeping track of new residents is relatively easier in rural areas, the same cannot be said within city limits as the handlers hop between rented buildings all too frequently, making it tough to track them down,” said Mr. Aleyas.