The probe was kept under wraps to trace the network’s wider links, while the alleged syndicate planned to smuggle 5–20 kg of MDMA into Kerala every month.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Excise Department has busted what it described as one of the state's biggest synthetic drug networks, arresting nine people, including two women from Kozhikode.
The accused allegedly operated a drug trafficking network called 'KB Cartel' and planned to smuggle between 5 kg and 20 kg of MDMA into Kerala every month, Excise Minister M Liju said.
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In a Facebook post on Thursday night, Liju said the arrests were made as part of 'Operation Thunder', launched under the department's broader anti-drug campaign, 'Mayangilla Kerala'.
The investigation began after Excise officials arrested a 20-year-old woman from Thamarassery and a man from Kondotty following the seizure of 3.5 kg of MDMA near the Olavanna toll plaza on NH 66 in Kozhikode.
A special team was subsequently formed to investigate the network and trace the source of the drugs. The probe was expanded across state borders, with investigations carried out in Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
According to the minister, the probe eventually led to the arrest of nine people, including two women, who allegedly formed part of the 'KB Cartel' network. Women Excise officials also participated in the operation.
The investigation was conducted under strict secrecy, with details withheld from the media while the operation was underway. Liju said this helped investigators trace and identify links within the network.
Several of those arrested were also reportedly wanted in connection with commercial narcotics cases registered in different states.
Liju congratulated the Excise officials involved in the operation and called for continued collective efforts to combat drug trafficking in Kerala.
PTI
Published: 21 Aug 2026, 12:57 pm IST
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