ED conducts searches across multiple districts in Keralam in two separate drug cases

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday (September 3, 2026) conducted searches under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in multiple districts in two separate cases linked to the seizure of nearly 17 kg of suspected hybrid ganja in Ernakulam district in June this year and close to 1 kg of suspected MDMA at the Calicut airport in October last year.Searches were conducted at four locations, including Kochi and neighbouring districts, linked to the accused in the suspected hybrid ganja case, while the houses of four accused in Kozhikode district were also searched. The seizures were valued at approximately ₹18 crore and ₹50 lakh, respectively.According to an ED statement, the searches were aimed at dismantling the hybrid ganja network in Keralam, tracing bank accounts, documents and properties generated through drug smuggling, and identifying other persons associated with the racket and their roles in the cases.The Ernakulam Rural police intercepted Ayush Vinod along Aluva–Perumbavoor KSRTC Road while he was allegedly carrying 1.16 kg of suspected hybrid ganja on his scooter for sale. A subsequent search of his apartment reportedly led to the recovery of around 15 kg of the contraband, following which his wife, Anila M.A., was arrested.Later, Ayush’s friend Harikrishnan V.B. was arrested on charges of supplying the drug. Investigators found that he was working closely with Abu Tahir P.B., identified as the key figure managing and controlling the drug trafficking network in Keralam. It was further revealed that the suspected hybrid ganja was being arranged by Jaisal N.K., alias Marco, of Kozhikode, who operated from Bangkok. He allegedly facilitated carriers to pass through the Green Channel at the Cochin International Airport to evade detection.Harikrishnan reportedly admitted to arranging four carriers — Sanjay P., Aneesh A., Presjith and Sreejesh — who allegedly smuggled hybrid ganja from Bangkok to Kochi. The consignments were handed over to Harikrishnan at the airport, who then delivered them to Fais K.T. for further distribution in the local market.“The investigation also revealed that Jagath K.M. was overseeing the financial side of the operation. He allegedly managed the sale proceeds, hawala transactions and other financial arrangements connected with the trafficking of hybrid ganja,” the ED statement said.In the other case, one Ligiesh, who was intercepted on arrival from Muscat, was allegedly found in possession of 949.26 grams of MDMA. Ligiesh had reportedly smuggled the drug into India for local distribution, with plans to hand it over to accused Rafnas and Shihabudheen as directed by Shamnad C.K.Shamnad is suspected to be the mastermind behind the smuggling and had allegedly promised to pay Rafnas and Shihabudheen ₹50,000 each for collecting and delivering the drug to him. Published - September 03, 2026 08:10 pm IST