Malappuram: A major drug bust took place at Karipur International Airport in this district, and four people, including a woman, were caught with nearly one kilogram of MDMA, a powerful illegal drug.

Police said on Monday that the woman, 25-year-old Surya from Pathanamthitta district, was arriving from Oman.

Acting on a tip-off, police carried out a surprise check outside the airport on Sunday night.

They found the drugs hidden carefully inside food packets in her luggage.

Three men -- Ali Akbar (30), Muhammad Rafi (28), and Shafeer (32)--all from this district, who had come to the airport to receive her have also been taken into custody, police said.

Police believe that the group may be part of a larger drug smuggling network. An investigation is on to ascertain the involvement of others. PTI