Malappuram: A man has been arrested with 510 grams of MDMA, allegedly intended for distribution during Christmas and New Year parties in Kochi. The accused, Pevunthara Muhammad Shabeeb (31) of Kalikavu, Malappuram, was apprehended in the parking area of a five-star hotel in Azhinjilam, near Kozhikode, on Monday. He reportedly confessed to the police that he was waiting for two actresses from Kochi to hand over the contraband.

The operation was led by Sub-Inspector Jishil and his team from the District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force (DANSAF), following intelligence received from Malappuram District Police Chief R Vishwanath.

During questioning, Shabeeb stated that he was expecting the two actresses from Kochi to collect the drugs, although he claimed not to know their identities. Investigations revealed that the drugs had been smuggled into the country from Oman. Abu Thahir, a resident of Chemmad, brought the drugs through Karipur airport under Shabeeb’s instructions.

"Shabeeb had returned to India two months ago after working in Oman. He had coordinated with his contacts there to supply drugs to high-profile parties in Kochi and Goa, anticipating substantial profits. The seized MDMA, weighing 510 grams, is in semi-crystal form and is estimated to be worth several lakhs in the illegal market," the police stated.

The operation was conducted under the leadership of R Vishwanath, Narcotics Cell Deputy Superintendent of Police NO Sibi, Malappuram DYSP Shinoj, DANSAF SI Jishil, and squad members SCPO Abdullah Babu and Mustafa, in coordination with Vazhakad police. Further investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest all individuals involved in the syndicate.