Suspected leader of a drug ring in Malappuram

A special police team on Monday (October 26) arrested Ibrahim Badusha (29), the alleged ringleader of a drug smuggling ring operating in Kerala and other states, from a hideout in Kolathur in Malappuram district.

Mr. Badusha, a native of Kadambode, Panthalloor, is suspected to have played a key role in the network involved in the seizure of 12.8 kg of MDMA from Coimbatore. In August this year, the police arrested three men with drugs worth more than ₹ 10 crore in the retail market hidden in the door panels of a car.

The seizure followed an investigation into a drug ring uncovered after six people were arrested with 100g of suspected MDMA from a private flat in Manjeri. The questioning of the accused led the investigators to Mr. Baduš and other members of the network.

Police said the gang procured and stored large quantities of MDMA in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru before transporting it to Kerala and Tamil Nadu for distribution.

The luxury cars fitted with hidden compartments were allegedly used to transport the drugs to transit points including Coimbatore, Palani and Kodaikanal before smaller consignments were delivered to various locations.

Investigators have identified Mr. Badush as a key intermediary for the network in Malappuram. Police said over 200 kg of MDMA was smuggled into Kerala under his leadership in the last six months.

Another alleged kingpin, Akhil Joy, a native of Wayanad and a close associate of Mr. Badush, was arrested from Bihar about a month ago. Mr. Badusha is also accused in cases of murder, drug peddling and theft in Wayanad and Malappuram districts, the police said.

After the investigation, Mr. Badusha is said to have gone into hiding in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Odisha and Chennai. Bengaluru police were also looking for him after he allegedly abandoned his car in Electronic City following a collision involving around 10 vehicles.

The arrest was made by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), including police officers from Malappuram and Perinthalmanna police sub-divisions, Narcotics Cell and District Anti-Narcotics Special Force (DANSAF).

Police said the investigation continues to trace the source of the drugs and identify other members of the network.

Published – 26 Oct 2026 19:25 IST