Ernakulam sees heavy inflow of suspected synthetic drugs

Ernakulam saw a surge in the inflow of suspected synthetic drugs in April, with around 1 kg of MDMA seized in many operations. Of this, 396.04 grams were seized within the city limits, while rural police seized more than 500 grams in a large haul.

This increase follows a raid on a one-star hotel in Kadavanthra in March, triggered by a raid in which eight professionals were arrested on suspicion of narcotics. The investigation led to the arrest of 42-year-old Kevin B. Mathew, the alleged ringleader of a city-based racket in Vazhakkala involving 183.55 grams of suspected MDMA and 93.51 grams of suspected ecstasy pills.

Subsequent operations targeting his network resulted in numerous arrests. While 42-year-old Siyad from Edappally and 24-year-old Adil Ansar from Kollam were kept at a lodge in Kalamassery with 6.79 grams of suspected MDMA and marijuana, 28-year-old Siddique from North Paravur was caught at Vattekkunnam near Kalamassery with 30 grams of suspected MDMA. 22-year-old Linoj, who was arrested near Madavana with 46.28 grams, is also suspected of taking the drug from Kevin.