Thodupuzha, August 19
Four persons, including a local Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) leader, have been arrested after police allegedly seized MDMA and hybrid cannabis from them at Edavetty near Thodupuzha in Idukki district.
The arrested were identified as T.S. Shiyas, secretary of the DYFI Thekkumbhagam regional committee and a member of its Thodupuzha block committee, and his associates Arshid, Ashiq and Niyan.
Police said the four were intercepted near Thekkumbhagam on Tuesday night during an inspection conducted as part of Operation Thoofan, the statewide campaign against narcotic drugs. They were reportedly travelling in two vehicles when the police team stopped them.
A search allegedly led to the recovery of 18 grams of MDMA and 10 grams of hybrid cannabis. The four suspects were taken to the police station, while the vehicles used by them were also seized as part of the investigation.
The Thodupuzha police are investigating the source of the contraband and whether it was intended for distribution. Investigators are expected to examine the suspects’ mobile phones, financial transactions and recent contacts to determine if they have links to a wider drug network operating in Idukki and neighbouring districts.
According to police, Arshid had previously been detained in connection with another drug-related case. However, the quantity allegedly recovered from him on that occasion was within the limit for securing bail at the police station. He had subsequently remained under police surveillance.
Shiyas had earlier contested an election to the Thodupuzha Block Panchayat. As a DYFI office-bearer, he had also participated in campaigns and marches organised to raise awareness against drug abuse.
The arrest of a youth organisation leader who had publicly campaigned against narcotics has triggered discussion in local political circles. Police said further investigation was underway to establish the individual role of each accused and identify those who supplied the seized drugs.
