Drug trafficking enforcement in Kerala

Law enforcement in Kerala has conducted significant operations targeting synthetic drug trafficking networks, often as part of the ‘Onam Special Enforcement Drive’ running throughout August.

In Palakkad, a joint operation by the North Police and the District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force (DANSAF) led to the seizure of approximately 1 kg of MDMA, along with cocaine, brown sugar, LSD stamps, and hybrid ganja. Three suspects—Muhammad Nisil of Kottayam, and Karnataka residents Muhammad Azharudeen and B. Fathima—were arrested following a three-day investigation that tracked a consignment originating from Tamil Nadu.

Following these efforts, police launched ‘Operation Thunder’, resulting in the arrest of nine individuals suspected of belonging to the ‘KB Cartel’. Authorities allege this network was responsible for trafficking roughly 20 kilograms of MDMA per month across various parts of India.

Expanding on these efforts, the Excise Department recently dismantled a smuggling ring transporting MDMA from Delhi to Kerala. Two separate operations led to the arrest of four individuals, including an 18-year-old woman. Joint Excise Commissioner S Vinod Kumar stated the syndicate utilized a Mahindra Thar SUV to transport contraband, noting that women were often used as carriers. In one interception at a traffic block in Vyttila, officers discovered 230 grams of MDMA hidden in a secret compartment under a steering wheel.

Recent enforcement has seen further seizures, including the arrest of a 33-year-old man in Kannur after 20.5 grams of MDMA was found concealed inside a robot toy, allegedly sent via parcel from Bengaluru. Additionally, in Kozhikode, the Excise Department is investigating the seizure of 3.3 kg of MDMA near the Pantheerankavu toll plaza; nine individuals have been arrested, and a Look Out Circular has been issued for an absconding Nigerian national, Emmanuel Afam.