The Kochi City police on Wednesday destroyed suspected narcotic substances, including synthetic drugs, seized over the past one year as part of the ongoing anti-drug crackdown.

The drugs were incinerated at the Brahmapuram waste treatment plant after obtaining the required court order. The destroyed contraband included 587 kg of ganja, around 2.6 kg of MDMA, 143 kg of Nitrazepam tablets, 1 kg of hashish oil, and 77 grams of brown sugar, the police said.

District Police Chief (Kochi City) Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar said the police decided to destroy the massive quantity of narcotics at one go with the aim of sending out a message to traffickers and creating awareness for the public.

Kochi Mayor V.K. Minimol, who was present on the occasion, said the incineration was done in the safest manner. “The filtering facilities ensure that no toxic substance is released during burning,” she said.