A tattoo artist from Sikkim has been arrested in Palakkad, Kerala for illegally possessing painkiller Tramadol tablets. The accused told that he used these pills, which he had purchased from Bengaluru, to reduce the pain of the tattoo.
Palakkad (Kerala) [भारत]July 2 (ANI): A tattoo artist from Sikkim was arrested for possessing prescription painkiller Tramadol tablets without valid authorization at Palakkad Junction railway station during a joint inspection conducted by the Excise Department and Railway Protection Force (RPF) on Wednesday.
The accused has been identified as Sashi Hang Subba, a resident of Lingchom, Tikjyo, Sikkim. According to officials, Subba, who is a tattoo artist, was on his way to Kochi where his brother works at a spa when he was stopped during inspection. During questioning he told officers the Tramadol pills were to help ease the pain of people getting tattoos. He also told the officers that he had purchased these pills in Bengaluru.
What is Tramadol and why is it illegal?
However, officials said that tramadol is a prescription-only drug, and possessing it without a valid doctor’s prescription is illegal under provisions related to psychotropic substances. This drug, which is commonly prescribed for the management of moderate to severe pain, is also known for abuse due to its intoxicating effects.
‘Operation Toofan’ against drugs in Kerala
Following the seizure of the pills, the Excise Department has initiated further legal proceedings against the accused. Authorities are also investigating the source of the drug and whether it is connected to the unauthorized distribution of prescription drugs. The arrest comes amid the Kerala government’s intensified campaign against illegal possession of narcotics and controlled substances under ‘Operation Toofan’.
Earlier this week, Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala reiterated the government’s commitment to end drug trafficking in the state, and said that drug gangs will not be allowed to operate in Kerala.
According to the state government, drugs worth crores of rupees have been seized, more than 5,000 people have been arrested, and around 4,500 cases have been registered as part of the anti-narcotics drive. Police data also revealed that Kerala registered 36,314 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 2025, indicating intensified enforcement efforts against drug trafficking and abuse. (ANI)
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