Palakkad (Keralam) | Excise sleuths have arrested a 35-year-old man after allegedly seizing 142 grams of methamphetamine and one gram of ganja from his possession at the Walayar Excise check post here, officials said on Sunday.

The incident occurred late Saturday night when a team of Excise officials was conducting routine vehicle inspections at the check post.

Officials said they boarded a bus en route to Ernakulam from Bengaluru and noticed a passenger's suspicious behaviour.

On inspecting his bag, they allegedly found 142 grams of methamphetamine packed in creatine supplement tins and one gram of ganja, officials said.

The arrested person was identified as Jithin (35), of Vellarakkad in Kunnamkulam, Thrissur.

The seized methamphetamine was estimated to be worth several lakhs of rupees, with one gram costing around Rs 10,000.

A case has been registered against Jithin under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and he has been arrested, officials said.

Preliminary investigation suggested that he had allegedly brought the contraband from Bengaluru for retail sale in various parts of Keralam after procuring it in bulk.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain whether others were involved in the drug trafficking network and whether the accused had been involved in similar offences earlier.