Malappuram (Kerala): A Ugandan woman, identified as Nakubure Theopista (30), has been arrested by a special investigation team of Kerala Police from Electronic City in Bengaluru. According to police, she played a central role in a drug trafficking racket that supplied MDMA to educational institutions and various locations in Malappuram district.

The police claimed that the woman was part of a wider drug network operating out of Bengaluru and smuggling narcotics into Kerala. Her detailed interrogation has reportedly yielded critical information regarding other members of the racket, including several Nigerian nationals. Efforts are currently underway to nab them.

Breakthrough followed earlier arrests in Malappuram

The latest arrest came a week after two individuals – Azeez (43) and Shameer Babu (42) – were arrested with 200 grams of MDMA. They were caught while attempting to sell drugs smuggled from Bengaluru. Based on their statements, the police arrested two more men – Anas and Suhail, who were allegedly involved in the supply chain.

These investigations led cops to the Ugandan woman in Bengaluru. The total number of arrests in the case has now risen to five.

Repeat offenders and criminal history

Azeez is a repeat offender with over 50 criminal cases registered against him, including drug trafficking and theft, across the districts of Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Palakkad. He had previously served time in prison in Andhra Pradesh for smuggling ganja and has twice been booked under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA).

Shameer is also a history sheeter, facing multiple drug and assault-related cases registered at Karipur and Nilambur police stations.

Anas has been named in an MDMA case registered at the Maradu police station, while Suhail had earlier been arrested by Customs officials in Jaipur for smuggling hybrid ganja from Thailand.

Police have now initiated proceedings to attach vehicles and other properties acquired by the accused through the proceeds of drug trafficking. The officials had earlier seized luxury vehicles used in the drug trade from the accused.