Investigators are continuing to trace the source of the MDMA and identify others allegedly involved in the network.
Coimbatore: Three men from Kerala have been arrested in Coimbatore with 12.794 kg of MDMA allegedly meant for distribution across Kerala, police said.
The arrests were made by a special investigation team led by Malappuram District Police Chief Chaithra Teresa John, IPS. Police said the seizure was part of an investigation into a wider drug trafficking network with alleged links within Kerala and outside the state.
Also Read
The arrested men have been identified as Jabir Ali, 32, from Panthalloor in Malappuram; Mohammed Salih, 34, from Meppadi in Wayanad; and Shameem Akbar, 21, from Anakkayam in Manjeri, Malappuram.
Probe began with Manjeri MDMA seizure
The investigation into the alleged network began weeks ago after police raided a private apartment in Manjeri and arrested six people with 100 grams of MDMA.
During detailed questioning, the special investigation team received information about members of a suspected drug trafficking network operating across Kerala and other states, police said.
According to investigators, the network allegedly stored large quantities of MDMA at secret locations in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru before supplying the drug to Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Police also received information that luxury vehicles fitted with concealed compartments were being used to transport the drugs.
Tamil Nadu towns identified as transit points
As the investigation progressed, police monitored the movement of the suspected network and identified Coimbatore, Palani, Pollachi and Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu as transit points.
Drug transactions were allegedly carried out in busy towns in these areas.
Based on information gathered during surveillance, the special investigation team tracked the three suspects to an area near Coimbatore and arrested them.
Further questioning led officers to search a Toyota Innova allegedly used by the men. Police said 12.794 kg of MDMA was found concealed inside the door pad of the vehicle.
Drugs allegedly packed for distribution
Police said the MDMA had been divided into packets weighing between 200 grams and 500 grams.
The packets were allegedly prepared for distribution at different locations across Kerala, from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod. The drugs were also intended for sale among young people in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, according to the police.
The seized MDMA has an estimated retail value of more than Rs 10 crore, police said.
Police investigate wider network
District Police Chief and woman IPS officer Chaithra Teresa John said the investigation had also uncovered information about other alleged members of the network.
Police suspect that some members travelled by air to Delhi and Mumbai and returned in luxury vehicles purchased from other states. These vehicles were allegedly used to conceal and transport drugs while appearing to be brought back for personal use.
Investigators are continuing to trace the source of the MDMA and identify others allegedly involved in the network.
The special investigation team included the Malappuram and Perinthalmanna Deputy Superintendents of Police, the Narcotic Cell DySP, the Manjeri Police Inspector, station personnel and members of the district DANSAF squad.
Published: 29 Aug 2026, 06:48 pm IST
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.