Palakkad, August 23
Excise officials arrested a youth from Thrissur after allegedly seizing 142 grams of methamphetamine concealed in a creatine supplement container during a vehicle inspection at the Walayar Excise checkpost.
The accused was identified as Jithin, a resident of Vellarakkad near Kunnamkulam in Thrissur district. The seized drug is estimated to be worth several lakh rupees in the illegal market.
The seizure was made around midnight on Saturday when Excise personnel were conducting routine inspections of vehicles entering Kerala through the checkpost. Jithin was travelling on a private bus named Maruti, which was operating from Bengaluru to Ernakulam.
Officials reportedly became suspicious of the passenger after observing his behaviour during the inspection. They examined his luggage and found a creatine supplement container inside his bag.
A detailed search of the container revealed packets containing what was suspected to be methamphetamine. Subsequent examination confirmed that the substance weighed 142 grams, officials said.
The drug had allegedly been hidden inside the supplement container to avoid detection during the journey. Excise personnel also claimed to have recovered one gram of cannabis from Jithin’s possession.
He was taken into custody and his arrest was formally recorded under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The drugs, container and other materials recovered during the inspection were seized as evidence.
Excise officials have begun an investigation to trace the source of the methamphetamine and identify those who allegedly supplied the consignment. They are also trying to establish whether it was intended for distribution in Ernakulam or elsewhere in Kerala.
Investigators are expected to examine Jithin’s recent travel history, mobile phone records and contacts. The inquiry will also explore whether he was operating independently or had links to an interstate drug-trafficking network transporting narcotics from Bengaluru into Kerala.
