Ernakulam police to probe antecedents of drug gangs caught ahead of elections

Kochi: District police will conduct a detailed investigation into multiple incidents of drug seizures during inspections held ahead of assembly elections. Police conducted inspections by collaborating with excise department.Multiple major drug seizures happened in the past two weeks as police were on high alert relating to elections.One of the most high-profile seizures happened on March 28, when drugs including hybrid ganja, MDMA, methamphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy pills were seized from a five-star hotel in Kadavanthra. Eight youngsters, including three women, were arrested in the case. Police have launched an investigation into the antecedents of the prime accused, Shaji Fernando alias Shaun, who organised the party.Sources said an investigation is being held into cruise parties organised by Shaun on suspicion of drug consumption. Interestingly, those arrested with Shaun included businessmen, lawyer, dentist and nutritionist.Rural police too arrested a group of youngsters with MDMA on Saturday. Police seized over 550g of MDMA valued at lakhs from the accused. On the same day, four youths, including a woman, were arrested with 3.5g of MDMA. The accused purchased narcotics in Bengaluru and travelled by bike to Vaniyampara. They then continued in a taxi car towards Kochi city for sale, but were intercepted and taken into custody at Angamaly. Narcotics were found hidden inside a specially made compartment in a flask.According to police, these individuals are key links in city's drug network and are reportedly regular traffickers. A detailed probe is on into their antecedents and they are likely to be sought in custody now that elections are over, said a source.Meanwhile, police said on Thursday that elections were largely peaceful in the district. Under the leadership of district police chief K S Sudarshan, strong security measures were implemented. Around 3,000 police officers were deployed for security, along with 1,852 special police personnel. Additionally, 94 group patrolling teams were active. Rural district had 1,989 booths spread across six election sub-divisions, said the statement.