Latest Kerala Local News: Another arrested in ganja smuggling case – The Hindu

More than 10 months after a shipment of more than 79kg of ganja was seized while smuggled in a truck, the Excise Offenses Branch arrested another defendant in the case on Saturday.

The arrest is Abdul Nizar, 39, from Thodupuzha in Idukki district. He had fled and been in hiding outside the country since the seizure and was arrested at Kochi airport upon his return on Friday. He has since been brought before Muvattupuzha Magistrate First Class and sent to Muvattupuzha Sub-Prison.

The Excise had issued a surveillance circular against him. Emigration officials detained him at the airport and handed him over to a team led by Deputy Commissioner of the Excise Offenses Branch Maju TM

He was the fifth defendant in the case. He used to fund ganja smuggling and run foreign transporters, Excise sources said.

The excise commissioner’s central area special squad had made the seizure on September 10 last year. Four of the seven defendants were arrested alongside the seizure. The indictment against the arrest was also filed in court on time. Hunt was on for the sixth and seventh defendants in the case.

Although the case was registered by the Muvattupuzha Excise Channel, the Excise Commissioner later handed the case over to the Excise Crime Branch taking into account the interstate protests.

Racketeering is suspected to be involved in frequent smuggling. They used to source ganja at wholesale prices from Andhra Pradesh and smuggle it into Kerala, Excise sources said.

Rural Ernakulam had witnessed an upsurge in the smuggling of ganja and other drugs over the past two years.

A team consisting of Prevention Officer Babu V., Civil Excise Officers Jishnu A., Shiju VG and Jitheeh B. and Excise Driver Shiju George made the arrest.

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An Overview of Global Events in 2023

In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.

Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.

Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.

Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.

Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.

Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.

Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.

In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.