Kerala’s biggest MDMA bust: 12.8 kg drug worth ₹10 crore seized, 3 held

Malappuram police uncover interstate drug network; consignment hidden in secret compartment of Innova

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IN one of the biggest synthetic-drug seizures in Kerala, police have recovered 12.8 kg of MDMA valued at more than ₹10 crore and arrested three alleged key operatives of an interstate drug-trafficking network.

The seizure was made in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, by a special team of the Malappuram district police during the investigation into an earlier MDMA case registered at Manjeri.

The arrested have been identified as Mambra Valappil Jabir Ali (32) of Pantallur in Malappuram, Karimbayil Muhammad Salih (34) of Meppadi in Wayanad, and Sheim Akbar (21) of Anakkayam in Malappuram. They were arrested in Coimbatore on Friday and produced before a court on Saturday, which remanded them in custody.

Breakthrough in Manjeri case

The major seizure followed the arrest of six people in Manjeri earlier this month, after police recovered nearly 97 grams of MDMA in a case registered on August 6.

During interrogation, investigators obtained crucial information about the source of the drug and the wider distribution network. The trail led the special investigation team to Tamil Nadu, where the suspects were placed under surveillance.

Malappuram District Police Chief Chaitra Teresa John said the three arrested are believed to be important links in the network. Police have identified additional people connected with the racket and are working to trace them.

Drugs concealed in Innova

The investigation revealed an elaborate method of transporting the contraband.

The MDMA was concealed inside the door panel of an Innova car, according to police. The drug had been divided into packets weighing between 100 grams and 500 grams, apparently intended to be delivered at different locations.

Investigators suspect that the network was supplying drugs to various parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Police surveillance also indicated that Coimbatore, Palani and Kodaikanal were being used as transit points, while the gang allegedly maintained links with drug-storage and supply centres in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

The seized packets were reportedly meant for distribution at several locations stretching from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod, highlighting the suspected scale of the network's operations.

Police probe widens

Investigators believe the three arrested people are not the only people involved in the operation. Police are now attempting to identify those who allegedly financed the operation, supplied the MDMA and arranged its transportation and distribution.

The criminal backgrounds of the arrested persons are also being examined. Police said the accused have previous cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, while their other criminal records are being verified.

Given the quantity of MDMA seized, a special team will undertake the detailed investigation. The District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force (DANSAF) and other police personnel are part of the probe.

Police said no other contraband or cash was recovered in the latest seizure. An international connection has not been established so far, although investigators are examining that possibility.

Part of Operation Toofan

The seizure comes amid Kerala Police’s intensified statewide anti-drug campaign, Operation Toofan.

According to figures released by senior police officials, more than 10,600 people have been arrested across Kerala in connection with the campaign so far. Police have seized approximately 21 kg of MDMA, 1,100 kg of cannabis and 4.5 kg of hashish oil during the enforcement drive.

The Thrissur Range alone has registered 2,417 cases as part of the campaign. Authorities have indicated that inspections, surveillance and follow-up investigations will continue to be intensified.

The latest seizure is significant not merely because of the quantity involved, but because the investigation has potentially exposed an interstate supply chain designed to move large consignments of synthetic drugs into Kerala.

Police are now focusing on the source of the MDMA, the financiers and suppliers behind the operation, and the wider network allegedly responsible for distributing the drugs across the state.

KEY FACTS

Drug seized: 12.8 kg MDMA
Estimated retail value: More than ₹10 crore
Arrests: 3
Place of seizure: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Investigating agency: Malappuram District Police / Manjeri Police
Vehicle used: Innova with concealed compartment
Earlier breakthrough: Nearly 97 g MDMA seized in Manjeri
Campaign: Operation Toofan
Suspected transit points: Coimbatore, Palani and Kodaikanal
Possible supply/storage links under investigation: Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru