Kerala MDMA case: Friends from college days ran racket; Keerthana trapped other teachers, say police

Payyoli (Kerala): Interrogation of Keerthana, a Maruthonkara native remanded to police custody in connection with the Vadakara MDMA case, is currently underway. Authorities report obtaining crucial information regarding the drug network. Preliminary findings suggest Keerthana lured other teachers into the drug trade. Investigators are also probing whether students were used as couriers in these drug transactions.

The court granted police custody of Keerthana until 5 pm on Friday. Interrogation continues utilising evidence gathered from the Cyber Cell. Police sources indicate Keerthana played an active and clear role in the operation.

Jijil remanded in another case

Meanwhile, Iritty native Jijil Kuriakose, currently remanded in connection with the Vadakara MDMA case, has been remanded in a separate drug-related case registered by the Payyoli Police.

Payyoli Police had earlier arrested Muhammed Irfan (26), a native of Maniyoor Thurasserikkadavu, after seizing 13.56 grams of MDMA. Subsequent questioning revealed Irfan transferred money to Jijil Kuriakose for the MDMA transactions. Following an application submitted by police to the Vadakara NDPS Court, formal arrest procedures were recorded with judicial permission, leading to an arrest warrant.

Produced before the court on Friday, Jijil was remanded, and police plan to seek his custody for further questioning in this case as well. The initial search at Irfan's house took place on the night of May 19 following a secret tip-off, resulting in the recovery of MDMA hidden in a purse under a bed.

Irfan’s apprehension led to Jijil's inclusion as a co-accused after investigators secured proof of money transfers sent to Jijil.

₹1 crore transactions in one year

An audit of Jijil's bank account revealed financial transactions amounting to nearly ₹1 crore over the past year, which police suspect largely stem from drug sales.

Jijil also maintained direct financial transactions with Keerthana, Kavya and Neeshma, all arrested in the Vadakara case. Police suspect numerous individuals transacted with Jijil, with the Payyoli bust representing just one instance.

Follow-up investigations will cover recent MDMA seizures across the region, focusing on identifying drug supply sources, payment destinations, and potential links to the main suspects in the Vadakara case.

Met during college days, partnered in drug operations

Jijil and co-suspect Shinto, a Wayanad native, first met while studying in Mangaluru. Despite pursuing different courses, the two became friends and ventured into MDMA dealing during their student days, continuing the trade afterwards.

Information obtained by police indicates Shinto dropped out of his studies due to drug-related issues. While being escorted by police for custody proceedings, Keerthana shouted to media personnel that she had no involvement in the drug trade and asked authorities to verify her bank accounts. However, police sources maintain that Keerthana is directly involved and was instrumental in bringing fellow teachers Kavya and Neeshma into the drug racket.