At least 30 grams of heroin, 250 grams of ganja were seized from two Sri Lankan nationals, during a surprise check on a high security block in Puzhal central prison (II) in Chennai.
According to police sources, dozens of prison officials launched an intensive search operation early on Wednesday, based on specific input that some inmates were using narcotic substances and mobile phones, The Hindu reported.
While the heroin was found in the possession of Sivaruban alias Saminathan, 23 packets of ganja was seized from Fernando Joseph; they were both Sri Lankan nationals.
Mobile phones and SIM cards were seized from James Okafar, Michael Odinaka and Chukwuemeka, all Nigerians. Cigarette lighters and some cash were also seized.
One of the prisoners, Alex alias Alexander, a Russian national, arrested in connection with the narcotics case, allegedly inflicted minor injuries on himself in protest against the search.
Prison authorities have launched a probe to investigate how the contraband was smuggled into the campus, the sources said, adding that mobile phones were also seized in Puzhal central prison (I) and Vellore central prison, when police conducted storming operations there last week.
