Kochi police investigating a drug racket that supplied contraband to high-end parties in the city have discovered that the client roster of the prime accused, Kevin B Mathew, includes high-profile individuals such as doctors, lawyers, and entertainment professionals.
Modus Operandi
According to police, the racket used to make contact with high-profile clients at DJ parties and later sell drugs to them. Mathew was remanded in judicial custody after interrogation on Thursday. Police questioned him for three days regarding his drug deals.
A senior officer stated that Mathew and others connected to the racket frequented DJ parties to build a client list. “The accused used to target frequent partygoers to build a client list of high-profile persons. As per our investigation, the customers included doctors, lawyers, professionals, and those working in the media and entertainment sector. They also supplied drugs for parties held on cruise vessels,” the officer said, adding that people from various sectors are consuming drugs, especially at parties.
Supply Chain
The officer added that they have received leads regarding accused based in Bengaluru and Delhi who supplied drugs to Mathew’s racket. “We are verifying the leads. In many cases, end users are rarely found with significant quantities of drugs, leading to them getting bail. Apart from cracking down on users, we are targeting those in higher levels of the supply chain to root out such rackets,” the officer said.
Initial Arrests
The racket was uncovered after the arrest of eight people with various drugs from a luxury hotel in Kadavanthra on March 28. The rave party was held in a star hotel room and attended by professionals, including a businessman, a dentist, a lawyer, and a nutritionist. Drugs including ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamine, and hybrid ganja were found on them.
Investigation into the source of the drugs led police to Mathew. He was caught by city police with 183.55g of MDMA and 93.51g of ecstasy pills in Thrikkakara Vazhakala.
Financial and Travel Records
Following his arrest, police collected records of Mathew’s financial transactions and phone call details. His international travel records were also under scrutiny, as he was believed to be supplying hybrid ganja along with various synthetic drugs.
Police also arrested Siyad, 42, and Adil Ansar, 24, who were linked to the racket, with 6.79g of MDMA and 56.98g of ganja. They were close associates of Mathew. Palluruthy native P M Shameer and his friend Siddique were also arrested for allegedly procuring at least 50g of MDMA from Mathew.
DJ Parties Under Scrutiny
Police said DJ parties at multiple locations in the city have been found to be frequented by those linked to such rackets. According to sources, users of drugs like MDMA are mostly not addicts but use it as a party drug. “They use it occasionally, like every few weeks, while attending a party. The drug is preferred because it is a stimulant. It allows them to stay awake, energetic, and highly sociable for hours without experiencing the immediate heavy physical crash associated with depressants or alcohol,” a source said.
A warning issued by police last week to reassert the time limit for DJ parties should also be seen in this backdrop. Police issued a notice that all such programmes must conclude by 11pm.
