Three youths were arrested by Vaniyambadi Townpolice for possession of 1,600 narcotic tablets (Tapentadol) in Vaniyambadi town in Tirupattur on Sunday.

Police said the arrested persons were identified as Abdul Kadeer (26) of Coimbatore, S. Gowri Sankar (24) from Tirupur and K. Sankar Guru (26), a resident of Salem.

Initial inquiry revealed that based on a tip-off to Tirupattur SP V. Shyamala Devi, special teams were formed to conduct surprise checks in public places like bus terminus and railway stations and isolated buildings in the district.

Accordingly, a special police team was conducting a routine check near Vaniyambadi railway station when the team got an alert about the suspects, who were at a bus terminus going to a small town to sell them in retail. 

Police said that immediately, the team rushed to the bus terminus and nabbed the suspects. Investigation found the gang had placed an order for tablets with pharmacies in Mumbai. The tablets were sent by couriers to them.

Police have been tracking mobile phones of suspects involved in the crime before they cornered them near the bus terminus. A case was registered. Arrested persons were lodged at sub-jail in Tirupattur town. A probe is underway.