Coimbatore: The city police carried out a two-day massive crackdown on criminal elements, arresting 18 history-sheeters and drug peddlers. The operation was held on Thursday and Friday across the city.According to a police officer, the two-day drive aimed at neutralizing active rowdy elements, dismantling local narcotics networks and fortifying safety parameters across the city. During the operation, police teams conducted surprise checks on 150 listed history-sheeted criminals, resulting in immediate arrest and judicial remand of 15 notorious rowdies found actively involved in unlawful operations.Pointing out that 10 individuals with bad conduct who do not yet have formal history sheets were placed under close surveillance, the officer said three of them were caught participating in fresh criminal acts and sent to prison.In a preventive move, good conduct bonds were obtained from six history-sheeters to deter them from future offenses. Additionally, a notorious history-sheeter was officially externed from the city limits under Section 51(A) of the Chennai City Police Act to preserve local tranquility.Anti-drug squads, meanwhile, registered 12 cases related to illegal distribution of cannabis and painkiller pills. A total of 15 drug peddlers were arrested, and 2.265kg of ganja, along with 160 painkiller tablets, were seized.Prioritizing public safety, specialized police wings also organized extensive awareness programmes across 15 strategic locations to combat crimes against women and children. City police commissioner Kannan warned that surveillance on anti-social elements has been intensified and that strict legal action would be taken against lawbreakers.
