Ernakulam saw a surge in the influx of suspected synthetic drugs in April with nearly 1 kg of MDMA seized in several operations. Of this, 396.04 grams were recovered in urban areas, while rural police seized more than 500 grams in a major raid.
The increase follows a crackdown triggered by a raid at a star hotel in Kadavanthra in March, where eight professionals were arrested on suspicion of narcotics. The investigation led to the arrest of Kevin B. Mathew, 42, the alleged ringleader of the Vazhakkala city racket, with 183.55 grams of suspected MDMA and 93.51 grams of suspected Ecstasy pills.
Subsequent operations targeting his network led to multiple arrests. Siyad, 42, of Edappally and Adil Ansar, 24, of Kollam were nabbed from a cottage in Kalamassery with 6.79 grams of suspected MDMA and cannabis, while Siddique, 28, of North Paravur was caught in Vattekkunnam near Kalamassery with 30 grams of suspected MDMA. Twenty-two-year-old Linoj, who was arrested near Madavana with 46.28 grams, is also suspected of taking drugs from Kevin.
Published – May 2, 2026 10:24 PM IST
