Thodupuzha: A tea stall in Idukki district was allegedly being used as a front to sell narcotic substances and banned tobacco products using coded language, leading to the arrest of its owner during an Excise Department raid.
The accused, Karissery Majeed Hashim, who operated a tea shop at Nedumkandam, was taken into custody following a raid conducted by the Excise Department based on confidential information. Officials alleged that the tea shop served as a covert distribution point for banned tobacco products, cannabis-related items and other contraband.
According to the Excise officials, customers used coded words while placing orders to conceal the illegal transactions. Asking for “podi chaaya” (powder tea) reportedly meant purchasing a packet of the banned tobacco product Hans along with a cup of tea for ₹75. Similarly, ordering “double strong” was allegedly a code for obtaining OCB rolling papers commonly used for rolling cannabis cigarettes. Officials also claimed that Cuban-made Havana cigars and small quantities of cannabis were available through the shop.
Following the initial inspection at the tea stall, Excise officials carried out searches at the accused’s residence and other premises linked to him. During the raid, they seized 106 packets of OCB rolling papers, around 22 kilograms of banned tobacco products and approximately three grams of cannabis.
The Excise Department has launched a detailed investigation to identify customers and possible suppliers connected to the illegal operation. Officials are also examining whether the accused was part of a larger network involved in the distribution of narcotic substances and prohibited tobacco products in the region.
Excise authorities said they would recommend cancellation of the tea shop’s licence by the local panchayat in view of the alleged illegal activities. Further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the operation and identify others who may have been involved.
