Is Kerala turning into a 'narco-economy' with rising MDMA abuse?

Kerala seems to be fulfilling many characteristics of a “Narco – State” one where public institutions are vulnerable to penetration by influence and money from drug mafias. Enforcement agencies see small criminals developing into wealthy entrepreneurs who establish themselves in the hospitality industry, housing market, film and fashion industry, beauty parlour business, vegetable & fruit trade and travel agencies. Concerted efforts by Kerala Police and Excise departments have exposed the dark underbelly of Kerala society. Under the special drive ‘D-Hunt’, authorities have conducted 72,980 raids, registered 7,265 cases, and arrested 7,539 individuals.

Kerala Police seized 1.66 kg of high-grade MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) from a house at Ayanikkad near Kondotty in Malappuram district on Monday (March 10, 2025) morning. The seizure of the synthetic drugs valued at more than ₹70 lakhs has exposed a sophisticated smuggling racket allegedly masterminded by 27-year-old, a supermarket owner with international connections in Oman.

In neighbouring Karnataka, Mangaluru police arrested two South African nationals in Bengaluru for smuggling and supplying MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly. The operation led to the seizure of 37.870 kg of the drug, valued at Rs 375 crores! Kerala Police also arrested two Tanzanian nationals, from Punjab, who were functioning as wholesalers of MDMA to various States in India.

MDMA’s ability to produce the following effects is responsible for its popularity among users: feelings of euphoria, empathy, increased energy and mild hallucinations. Although MDMA was initially associated with teenagers and young adults involved in the party circuit, the drug’s popularity has grown significantly beyond this demographic group. Despite stiff punishment, MDMA’s popularity is soaring among Keralites of all age groups. MDMA is a scheduled drug under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, at serial number 134 where it is also referred to as Ecstasy. Anyone found in possession of MDMA above 10 grams is looking at a punishment for a minimum of 10 years and max 20 years. The punishment for consumption that is below 0.5 grams would be a maximum of a year. There is no minimum punishment, but anything between 0.5 to 10 grams of MDMA is a maximum of 10 years with no minimum term prescribed under the Act. There is also a fine prescribed under the Act going up to Rs 2,00,000. Despite such stiff punishments, MDMA usage is on the increase, causing an even higher rate of violence in families.

Heatwave increasing health risks for MDMA users
Kerala is presently experiencing high daytime temperatures, and a heatwave is going on in many parts of the State. Heatstroke or hyperthermia (dangerously high body temperature) is one of the most common issues among people taking MDMA. MDMA increases body temperature and sweating, and using it is often accompanied by heightened physical activity and in the intense summer heat, can cause rapid fluid loss. The effect of ecstasy can be increased by consuming alcohol. Alcohol is a diuretic, so it makes a person urinate more and increases dehydration. Dehydration increases the risk of heatstroke. Heatstroke can cause brain, heart, kidney and muscle damage, and if left untreated can cause serious complications or death.

Kerala’s MDMA economy fuelling illicit activities
Kerala is fast turning into a MDMA State. Hunger of Keralites for MDMA, is fuelling a huge drug cash economy. Drug money circulating in the economy can be disastrous, as it is a form of capital that remains unaffected by taxes, regulations, or interest rates. This “black” capital, gets utilised in films, entertainment industry, liquor, human trafficking, prostitution, gold smuggling, gambling and conducting political rallies and agitations. The vast majority of money spent in illegal drug transactions is in the form of small cash amounts that come directly from the end consumer. This money comes from the consumers’ wages, salary, savings, or borrowings legally available to the consumer, and is spent at the retail level. Thus, a substantial chunk of cash slips in and out of the black economy at this retail level. Given the secretive nature of the drug economy, the risks involved in studying them, exact figures are generally hard to come by.

Although in Kerala, law enforcement has made notable achievements, in nabbing drug peddlers and drug-consuming students, major players remain untraceable and invisible. Drug trafficking, drug use, and the illegal proceeds of drug sales distort the State’s economy, destroy the lives of young generations, and decimate populations via HIV/AIDS. The State becomes addicted to being a drug economy, much the same way that people become addicted to drugs. This addiction of people, institutions, and culture to drug cash is a real and immediate danger facing the State. Indeed, even legitimate income flowing into the treasury of the government, tax revenues, for example, comes from the splurge on white goods, liquor, lotteries, textiles, lavish weddings, and tourism in which drug profits, have a significant presence.

Oman’s role in MDMA smuggling to Kerala
Another disturbing revelation is the fact that drugs from Oman have been smuggled into Malappuram. Oman is emerging as a major hub for drug trafficking. Reports suggest that high-quality MDMA is available in Oman at low prices. MDMA is hidden inside flasks to avoid detection by Customs. Several kilograms of MDMA are suspected to have been brought into the State. MDMA sourced from Oman is of high potency and is in great demand in the region. In 2018, Oman introduced the death penalty for drug traffickers, amid efforts to curb a growing problem. Article 43 of the amended law stipulates the death penalty or life sentence for drug dealers and a fine of more than 25,000 riyals (about Dh 238,500). It also stipulates the death penalty for anyone who has a connection with international drug trafficking gangs. According to the Royal Oman Police (ROP), most of the drug traffickers who were arrested in Oman are expatriates. According to ROP figures, heroin is the number one drug seized by ROP.

Kerala’s dangerous tryst with MDMA can have serious repercussions on the mental health of the youngsters who abuse it. To quote Nietzsche, if you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back at you. With MDMA, the abyss is smiling back.”

The author is former Director General of National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics