In a surprise check, Vellore police on Saturday arrested 15 persons involved in the illegal sale and purchase of painkiller tablets near Katpadi for the past few months.On the order of the Superintendent of Police (SP), A. Mayilvaganan, special teams were formed to conduct surprise checks at arterial roads, key intersections and public places, including schools, bus terminus and hospitals on the sale of painkiller tablets.Accordingly, a special team from Katpadi police was patrolling the area when they intercepted a three-member gang near the railway station. Police also nabbed 12 persons, who allegedly came to buy tablets from the gang. Police checked them and found 670 tapentadol tablets — a potent painkiller prescribed for post-surgical pain, but often misused as an injection by dissolving it in water — and 50 syringes.Investigations revealed the gang, which came from Mumbai, was selling the tablets for youth and students in the area. Police seized the tablets, syringes and a two-wheeler from them. A case was registered under Section 123 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 8(c) read with 20(b)(ii)(A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The arrested persons were lodged at Central Prison in Vellore and further probe is under way.Published - September 21, 2025 05:45 am IST