Alappuzha (Kerala), March 4 A 37-year-old retired Navy officer was arrested after 1.2 kg of marijuana and 10 cannabis plants were allegedly seized from his house in this coastal district of Kerala, Excise officials said on Wednesday.
The accused, identified as Binu V William of Mararikulam South panchayat, was apprehended during a search conducted at his residence in the Poomkavu area on Tuesday.
A team from the Excise Enforcement and Anti-Narcotic Special Squad, led by Circle Inspector A Sebastian, carried out the inspection based on a tip-off.
"The accused recently retired from the Navy after 15 years of service. According to our information, he was using illegal substances while in service, and he continued this practice after retirement," a senior officer said.
According to the official, William used to obtain the contraband from Bengaluru.
During the inspection, the team recovered 1.2 kg of marijuana stored inside the house and 10 cannabis plants cultivated in the compound, after which he was taken into custody, officials said.
A case has been registered against the accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The Excise Department has urged the public to report liquor and narcotics-related complaints at the designated contact numbers.
Officials said intensified inspections against drug-related activities would continue during the upcoming election period.