Vaithiri: Disturbing revelations are emerging from Wayanad, where a school principal has been apprehended with the dangerous drug MDMA. The head of Pulpally Jayashree Higher Secondary School, Jayaraj, was arrested by Vaithiri police, with 0.26 grams of MDMA seized. The police, suspecting foul play, are currently investigating the incident to uncover any potential mysteries. Acting on confidential information, the police intercepted the suspect, who was en route from Thamarassery, at Vaithiri Police Station Junction. MDMA was discovered in the suspect’s shirt pocket. Jayaraj reportedly claimed to have obtained the MDMA from Mushtaq, a resident of Batheri. The vehicle involved has also been taken into police custody.
Simultaneously, Kerala is grappling with a surge in drug addiction, and the drug cartels, reaping massive profits, are exploring alternative methods. Instead of traditional transportation via buses and trains directly from sales centers in other states, marijuana is now being shipped in courier and parcel vehicles.
The emergence of the new-generation drug MDMA poses a significant challenge for law enforcement and the narcotics department, particularly as it gains popularity among the youth. Large quantities of MDMA were being smuggled from cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mangalore, leading to societal issues. Faced with a mounting problem, especially in DJ party cases in Kochi, the police have decided to intensify their crackdown on the illegal drug trade.
Due to extensive checks and raids, there has been a 60% increase in the number of individuals caught in drug cases. In response to this, drug mafias in Kerala have shifted their strategy. Instead of importing intoxicating drugs, including MDMA, from outside the state, they are now adopting the approach of producing them locally. MDMA, a synthetic drug, can cost up to Rs 4,000 per gram, and reports suggest that it is being supplied to DJ parties for as much as Rs 10,000 per gram.
To manufacture MDMA, the necessary materials are brought to Kerala, and the drug is then produced in specific quantities and ratios. The manufacturing facilities for MDMA, known as “Lahari Kitchens,” are often set up in abandoned buildings. Based on confidential information, a recent raid was conducted at the closed Comtrust weaving company near Mananchira in Kozhikode city center, where an illicit kitchen was believed to be operating.
Investigators revealed that these kitchens can produce up to two kilograms of MDMA at a time. Police view the influx of MDMA as a concerning shift in the drug landscape, emphasizing that MDMA can be consumed in various ways, such as smoking, mixing with water, or injecting with a syringe, making the process of drug use more accessible.
