Chennai, February 20 Claiming that the flow of cannabis into Tamil Nadu has been prevalent even during the previous AIADMK regime, State Minister T M Anbarasan said the state government is taking stringent measures to curb the sale of contraband across the state.
Addressing a meeting on Thursday night, Anbarasan claimed that thousands of people from northern states arrive in Chennai every day, and some among them bring small quantities of cannabis into Tamil Nadu.
He accused the previous AIADMK government of "failing" to take effective measures to check the spread of cannabis during its regime, leading to the present situation.
"At least 10,000 people arrive in the city every day, and each of them brings at least 1 or 2 kilograms of cannabis with them. With the help of the police, we are also taking stringent measures to control the sale of cannabis," he said.
Anbarasan further claimed that Tamil Nadu is the only state to have imposed a ban on cannabis, adding that no such ban exists in any other state.
Earlier, criticizing Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami, Anbarasan said the senior AIADMK leader has spoken for more than three hours during the ongoing assembly session, alleging a breakdown of law and order in the state.
"It is because of these AIADMK people that the State has suffered," he alleged.
His comments come amid continued attacks by Palaniswami on the ruling DMK over law and order, women's safety, and alleged rise in drug sales, among others.