The Varkala police on Sunday arrested an alleged drug peddler who regularly supplied narcotics substances to tourists and students.
The accused was identified as Renjith, 54, of Janardhanapuram. The habitual offender was apprehended near SN College in Varkala.
He was allegedly apprehended with 50 packets, each containing 10 gms of ganja, and 60 tablets of nitrazepam, a hypnotic drug that is generally prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia. Having bought the products from Marthandam in Kanyakumari, the accused used to allegedly sell each ganja packet and tablet for ₹500. His clientèle included domestic tourists, mostly techies, and college students.
The accused had been arrested by excise and police officials in the past for alleged drug smuggling and possession. He has been remanded in judicial custody.