Coimbatore, July 13 -- The Coimbatore Prohibition Enforcement Wing (PEW) has arrested two individuals for allegedly attempting to smuggle 21 kilograms of contraband (ganja) inside an ambulance to evade police checkpoints and security scrutiny, officials said on Monday.

The accused have been identified as 28-year-old Manikandan, a resident of Peelamedu, and 28-year-old Veerachinna Maruthu, an ambulance driver hailing from Sivagangai.

According to the police, the duo hatched a plan to use a medical vehicle for the illegal transport of narcotics, believing that an ambulance would not be stopped or suspected during rigorous security checks at state and district borders. Manikandan reportedly approached Maruthu with the proposal to transport...