Police close in on kingpin behind synthetic drug trafficking case

The special investigation team (SIT) constituted by the Kozhikode Rural police has zeroed in on a Wayanad native as part of the continuing probe into the Vadakara synthetic drug trafficking case in which five persons, including three special educators attached to the Perambra Block Resource Centre (BRC), were recently arrested.

Police sources said the investigators had recovered the suspect’s bank transaction records and details of phone conversations, which were being examined as key evidence to trace the financial network behind the alleged drug racket. The arrested were reportedly in frequent contact with the Wayanad native, who is suspected to have played a role in facilitating the illegal trade.

District Police Chief (Kozhikode Rural) Merin Joseph said details of the investigation could not be disclosed now. Ms. Joseph, however, confirmed on Saturday (August 1, 2026) that the alleged kingpin of the network, who was absconding, would be arrested soon.

Police sources said details of the alleged drug racket were expected to emerge after securing the custody of the accused again for the remaining phase of interrogation. The SIT would strive to expose the inter-State gang operating behind local networks, they added.

Meanwhile, the General Education department has ordered an inquiry into the alleged involvement of the three special educators attached to the Perambra BRC in the drug case. A special committee has been formed to examine the allegations and examine the reported irregularities in the functioning of the BRC.

Panel to prepare report

The committee, headed by a senior Samagra Shiksha Keralam official, has been directed to complete the inquiry on priority basis and submit a report to the government. According to Education department sources, the panel members will prepare the report after visiting the Perambra BRC and neighbouring BRCs to collect evidence and verify relevant records.

The three special educators arrested in the case are K.C. Keerthana, K. Kavya, and V.P. Neeshma, who allegedly worked as financial intermediaries for drug traffickers. Their suspected role surfaced following the arrest of Safwan, the first accused in the case, from Vadakara. Jijin Kuriakose, an online delivery worker from Iritty, was also arrested for allegedly colluding with the rural drug network.

Police sources said several other suspected intermediaries who colluded with the drug traffickers’ networks would be interrogated in the days to come on the basis of the already gathered digital evidence and the statements of the arrested.