1,280 tapentadol tablets meant for drug abuse seized, 2 arrested

Trichy: Ariyamangalam police confiscated 1,280 tapentadol tablets, a painkiller misused by youths for drug abuse. The police, during a surprise check, arrested two peddlers, including a history-sheeter and a woman. Two other accused involved fled the scene. The value of the confiscated tablets was estimated at 3.8 lakh.On Monday, at around 11.30am, SI Mariyappan, attached to Ariyamangalam police station, received a tip-off about bulk movement of painkiller tablets in Ukkadai railway track area in Ariyamangalam. A police team rushed to the spot and secured Zaheer Hussain, 22, a history-sheeter from Ukkadai, and his accomplice A Rahamath Nisha, 37, from the same area. The accused duo had 1,280 tapentadol tablets in their possession. Two more accused, identified as history-sheeter G Padaiyappa and A Shakila Banu, fled the spot on seeing the police team. A search operation is underway. The tablets were mobilised for retail sales through rowdy elements in various parts of the city. Tapentadol is not banned, but the sale of the drug is restricted for its role in treating pain. The tablets were illegally sold at a rate of 100-300 per piece. Police said that youths mix the powdered tablet with saline solution and inject the mixture with a syringe in their body for intoxication. A case was booked under BNS Section 278 (fraudulent sale of drug), and the two peddlers were remanded.