Kozhikode: A significant seizure of MDMA, a potent and potentially deadly drug, was made near Kozhikode railway station, highlighting a growing concern over drug trafficking in the area. Two individuals, Muhammed Shafan EC (33), hailing from Narikuni Kandoth Para, Malail Thodukail, and Mijas P (28), from Pullalur Punathil House, were apprehended during a coordinated operation led by the Kozhikode City Narcotics Cell and the Town Police. The arrests were made under the leadership of Assistant Commissioner Suresh V, head of the Narcotics Cell, and TK Ashraf, Assistant Commissioner of the Dansaf Town Police. The duo was caught red-handed with a large consignment of drugs they had transported by train from Delhi to Kozhikode, intending to distribute them across the Kozhikode and Balussery regions.
The two suspects, identified as former bus drivers and conductors from Kozhikode district, had left their jobs to engage in the illegal drug trade. Both men are known to be drug users themselves. Muhammed Shafan, one of the arrested individuals, already has a criminal record, with a case involving ganja (marijuana) registered against him at the Balussery police station. Their shift from working in public transport to dealing in narcotics marks a disturbing trend in the growing drug problem in the region.
The operation that led to their arrest was the result of heightened surveillance and an ongoing crackdown on drug-related activities across Kozhikode, following directives from the City Police Commissioner, T. Narayanan, and IPAC Narayanan. The investigation was particularly thorough, as part of a city-wide effort to combat drug addiction and trafficking in educational institutions and public areas. The investigation team, comprised of several officers from both the Narcotics Cell and the Town Police, meticulously inspected railway premises, bus stands, vehicles, and areas surrounding schools and colleges. Their efforts were focused on curbing drug activity near public spaces frequented by young people.
During the search, 481 grams of MDMA, also known as Ecstasy, were discovered. This drug is notorious for its dangerous effects, often leading to overdoses and fatal health complications, particularly when sold in uncontrolled environments. The consignment was meant to be distributed in Kozhikode and nearby Balussery, with the potential to fuel widespread drug abuse in the region.
The police team responsible for the seizure and arrests included several officers who played crucial roles in the investigation. Town Sub-Inspector (SI) Muhammad Ziadin led the initial inspection, which uncovered the hidden MDMA. Other key figures in the operation included Dunsaf SI Manoj Edayedath, SI Abdurahman K, officers Anish Moosaenveed, Akhilesh K, Sunoj Karail, Sarun Kumar PK, Latish MK, Sreesanth NK, Shinoj M, Abhijith P, Atul EV, Dinesh PK, Muhammad Mashhoor KM, Town Station ASI Sabir KT, along with Jain, Suraj, ASI Sajevan, Binil Kumar, Jitendran, and Prabish.
The coordinated efforts of these officers were instrumental in thwarting a significant drug distribution operation. Their work, which was carried out over days of surveillance and intelligence gathering, reflects a broader city-wide initiative to dismantle drug networks. The arrested suspects were attempting to capitalize on the growing demand for narcotics in Kozhikode, an issue that local law enforcement is now addressing with increased urgency.
Under the leadership of Kozhikode City Police Chief T. Narayanan, the police force is taking stringent actions against drug traffickers and users, conducting widespread inspections at key locations, such as bus stands, railway stations, and areas surrounding educational institutions. The goal is to prevent drugs from reaching vulnerable populations, particularly students and young adults, who are often the primary targets of such criminal activities. This particular bust is seen as a significant victory in the ongoing fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Kozhikode, setting a strong precedent for future crackdowns. The arrested individuals are currently in custody, and further investigations are underway to uncover potential links to larger drug networks that may be operating both within and outside the state. The successful operation underscores the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation between various law enforcement agencies to tackle the menace of drug trafficking and addiction that threatens the social fabric of the region.
