Port Blair, Dec. 26: The local police of Havelock have arrested two Italian nationals from Coco Beach Resort, Havelock on 23.12.14 and recovered 445 grms of Charas and cash Rs.1,72,560/-.

On a tip off that two Italian nationals, staying in Coco Beach Resort, Havelock No-5 are having huge quantity of illicit charas and are peddling it among tourists, a police team under the supervision of Shri B Saigal, Dy.SP Havelock swung into action. The team raided the resort and apprehended two Italian nationals namely Mr. Virgili Nicola (35) and (2) Miss. Nadid Ghouati (21).

Thorough search was conducted and ‘Charas’ in caddy shape, wrapped in plastic wrapper numbering 81 pieces weighing about 445 grms. were recovered from their possession.

On further search, Rs.1,72,560/- in cash and other electronic items, packaging material etc. were also recovered. Both the Italian nationals have been arrested under the provision of NDPS Act 1985 and a case vide FIR No.39/14 dated 23.12.14, U/s 20(b)(ii)(B) of NDPS Act 1985 has been registered against them.   

Preliminary enquiry revealed that both the Italians entered in India on the strength of valid tourist visa and came to Havelock Island on 5th Dec. 2014. The approximate value of the Charas recovered is apprx. Rs. 45 lakhs in the international market. Both the accused persons have been produced before the court of law from where they have been remanded to Judicial Custody.

The Police team consisted of SI Vikash Singh, SHO, SI Mohd Sameer, HC/155 Nirmal Kumar, PC/890 Salam (SB CID), PC/2797 Augustin Buxla and LPC/2808 Nisha Kumari. 

General public is requested to pass any credible information on any illegal activity on the telephone numbers: 233077, 282405, 100, 9434289982. The information will be suitably rewarded and his/her identity will be kept secret.