Alappuzha (Kerala): A 37-year-old former Navy personnel has been arrested after Excise officials allegedly recovered 1.2 kg of ganja and 10 cannabis plants from his residence in Kerala’s coastal Alappuzha district on Tuesday.

The accused, identified as Binu V William, a resident of Mararikulam South panchayat, was held following a search at his house in the Poomkavu area. The operation was carried out by the Excise Enforcement and Anti-Narcotic Special Squad based on specific intelligence inputs.

The inspection team, led by Circle Inspector A Sebastian, seized the contraband reportedly stored inside the house along with cannabis plants grown within the compound premises.

"The accused recently took voluntary retirement from the Navy after 15 years of service. As per our understanding, he has been consuming contraband even while in service and he continued the practice after retirement," a senior officer said.

According to officials, William allegedly sourced the contraband from Bengaluru.

A case has been registered against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The Excise Department has urged members of the public to report information related to liquor and narcotics through designated helpline numbers.

Officials added that enforcement drives against drug-related activities would be intensified in view of the forthcoming election period.

PTI