Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, the Excise Enforcement and Anti-Narcotics Special Squad arrested four individuals in two separate locations in the district on Tuesday. The authorities seized nearly 200 grams of MDMA, a synthetic drug, and also impounded a vehicle allegedly used for drug trafficking.
First Arrest in Thirumala
The first arrest occurred on Monday in the Thirumala area, where excise officials intercepted a vehicle carrying MDMA. The accused were identified as Sourav Santhosh (22) of Malayinkeezhu and Sanuj (22) from Vazhiyila. Acting on a tip-off, the squad stopped the vehicle and recovered the synthetic drug, which is believed to have been brought for distribution among local consumers.
Second Operation in Mottamoodu
In a second operation conducted on Tuesday at Mottamoodu, the squad arrested Anu (25) and Ranjith (31), both residents of Naruvamoodu, with commercial quantities of MDMA. Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused allegedly sourced the drug from Bengaluru and were selling it through a local distribution network targeting youngsters and habitual users.
The raids were led by Excise Circle Inspector Arun Ashok and Excise Inspector Nishad. The vehicle used in the drug trafficking was also taken into custody. Further investigations are underway to trace the larger network involved in the supply chain.
