Kerala: Excise arrests seven more in major synthetic drug bust linked to international network

The Excise department's Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested seven more people in connection with the seizure of nearly 3 kg of MDMA (methylene-dioxy-methamphetamine) from a car at Pantheerankavu in Kozhikode, Kerala. The arrests, made after an intensive search across multiple states, have uncovered what officials describe as an international drug network with links to Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Nigeria.

The seven arrested are C.P. Umar Farooq (36), Muhammad Mustafa (28), K.K. Hiran (31), Aromal Omanakkuttan (22), M. Ramsiya (26), Nechikkattil Noushad (49) and Sandeesh Mohan Valappil (27). They were taken into custody following a coordinated operation by the special squad, which conducted searches in five states. The Excise department stated that all the suspects have been named in various narcotics cases in the past.

The case dates back to April 23, when Excise officials intercepted a car at Pantheerankavu and seized the contraband. The first two accused, P.K. Shafeek and Fathima Nasrin, were arrested at the scene. During interrogation of the car owner, the team obtained call detail records and bank transaction documents, which helped them identify the other suspects. "We analyzed the digital footprint of the accused, including call data, bank transactions and social media activity, to trace the network," an SIT member said.

According to Excise officials, the probe also led to the identification of two more suspects, including Immanuel Afam, a 46-year-old Nigerian national. Officials allege that Afam had set up a "drug kitchen" in India and coordinated the regional supply of MDMA. A lookout notice is being issued to track him down, they added.

The SIT members revealed that they travelled approximately 15,000 km across four states to nab the absconding suspects. As part of the investigation, they examined nearly 8,000 call records, more than 50 mobile phones, 160 tower locations, 30 bank accounts and around 100 social media accounts. Flash inspections were conducted at eight houses and five lodges, resulting in the seizure of 24 grams of MDMA, 13 mobile phones and other digital evidence that supports the ongoing investigation.

MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception. It is a controlled substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, and its possession, sale or trafficking attracts severe penalties. Kerala has seen a rise in synthetic drug seizures in recent years, prompting law enforcement agencies to strengthen surveillance and coordination with other states.

While the arrests mark a significant breakthrough, the investigation is still ongoing. The Excise department has stated that further arrests cannot be ruled out as they continue to trace the supply chain and the international links of the network. The accused are currently in custody and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.