KOCHI: In a major crackdown on urban drug networks, the Kochi City Police arrested eight individuals, including prominent professionals and students, during a pre-dawn raid at a five-star hotel. Those taken into custody include a dental doctor, an advocate, a physiotherapist, and an aviation student. The police seized a variety of high-end synthetic drugs, including cocaine, MDMA (methamphetamine), ecstasy pills, and hybrid cannabis, during the operation.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Rohit Nair, an advocate from Kaloor; Austin Jose, a restaurant owner also from Kaloor; Jino Murali, a chemical treatment businessman; Akbar Shah, a nutritionist from Alappuzha; Dr. Benzi Ravuthar, a dental doctor from Pandalam; Seidali Fatima, a physiotherapist; Amal Rauf, an aviation student from Kannur; and Shaji Fernando (alias Shawn) from Shangumugham, Thiruvananthapuram. According to investigators, Shawn, who also runs an event management business, is suspected to be a key link in a drug distribution network targeting youngsters and professionals in the city.
The raid was conducted by the Kochi City DANSAF (District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force) and local police following a specific tip-off about a drug party being held at the premium hotel. Officers revealed that the group had been under surveillance for some time. The seized contraband included 0.34g of cocaine, 0.36g of methamphetamine, 0.44g of ecstasy, and 5g of hybrid ganja.
The police are currently investigating the source of these drugs and looking into whether this group is part of a larger inter-state trafficking syndicate. All eight accused have been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This high-profile arrest has sent shockwaves through the city, highlighting the growing penetration of synthetic drugs among educated and affluent circles.