Kochi: Police have seized multiple narcotic substances and arrested eight individuals following a raid at a five-star hotel in the city. Acting on confidential intelligence, officials recovered cocaine, MDMA and ecstasy from the premises.

Those arrested include Thiruvananthapuram native Shaji Fernando (Sean, 44), who runs an event management firm; Kaloor resident Austin Jose (31), a restaurateur; advocate Rohith Nair (25) from Kaloor; businessman Jino Murali from Aluva; nutritionist Akbar Shah (30) from Alappuzha; dentist Bency Rawther (29) from Pandalam; physiotherapist Seithali Fathima (29) from Kollam; and aviation student Amal Rauf (26) from Kannur.

Small quantities of drugs recovered

Police said the group had been regularly booking rooms at the hotel and using narcotic substances. During the inspection, officers recovered five grams of hybrid cannabis, 0.34 grams of cocaine, 0.36 grams of methamphetamine, and 0.44 grams of ecstasy pills from those held.

All eight arrested individuals were later released on bail, as the quantities of drugs seized were small.

Investigation focuses on party organiser Sean

The crackdown follows intensified monitoring of venues hosting DJ parties, under the directions of Kochi City Police Commissioner. The arrests were carried out jointly by the Kadavanthra police and the Kochi City DANSAF team.

The investigation is focused on Sean, who reportedly organises parties in the city. He recently held a party on a luxury cruise, where it is suspected that narcotics were supplied. The cocaine, methamphetamine and hybrid cannabis were reportedly sourced from abroad. Customs authorities have also launched an inquiry.