The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Government of Tamil Nadu, demanding proper explanation, following the seizure of huge volumes of chocolates laced with ganja.

The Commission pointed out in its notice that chocolates were seized from a godown in Villupuram district. Huge quantities of these chocolates were also found abandoned near a burial ground in Kovilpatti.

Since the beginning of July, the Tamil Nadu police have seized huge quantities of chocolates containing narcotic substances, including ganja, all over the state. More than 500 persons were arrested in this regard. The crackdown began when a Class IX student in Chennai fell ill after consuming one such chocolate. The boy had bought the chocolates from a shop in the city.

Pointing out that the issue poses a serious threat to life, the NHRC has given the government and the district collector four weeks to reply, and to inform them about the steps being taken to end this menace.