CHENNAI: Five persons, including a 17-year-old boy, were arrested for possession and sale of painkiller tablets in Mylapore on Monday (August 31).

According to police, a patrol team was conducting rounds near the Rutherfordpuram railway bridge in Mylapore when they noticed the suspects loitering in a suspicious manner.

Upon questioning, the group gave contradictory answers after which the group was detained for further questioning.

During the search, police seized 500 painkiller tablets that were concealed by the group and arrested – S Raguram (18) and J Fayaz (21) of Ice House, V Kishore (20) of Lloyds Road, Royapettah, M Sanjay (20) of Mylapore, and a 17-year-old boy.

Police registered a case and arrested all five.

During interrogation, it was revealed that the gang had been procuring the tablets from another state and selling them in Marina Beach and Mylapore areas.

Police also found that four suspects were working as horse ride operators for tourists at Marina Beach. They reportedly targeted youngsters and visitors in the beach area to sell the tablets.

Police said they were investigating the source of the tablets and whether more persons were involved in the network. Further investigation is underway to trace the interstate suppliers and the distribution chain.