Kerala drug trafficking suspect detained in Abu Dhabi after Interpol red notice

After three years on the run, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, Shaun Sunil Bert, was arrested at Abu Dhabi airport following an Interpol red‑corner notice. He is linked to a July 2023 seizure in Thumba, Kerala, that uncovered 155 kg of ganja and 60 g of MDMA. State police confirmed the detention and said authorities will form a joint police‑excise team to secure his return to India.

The excise department had earlier sought funds to translate the 250‑page case file into Arabic, a procedural step required by UAE courts before a local arrest order can be issued. The translation request remained pending for two years, delaying the extradition process. Officials now plan to move forward with the necessary legal steps to bring the accused back to face charges.