Kerala Police arrest foreign women manufacturing MDMA in Delhi, bust drug network

In a major breakthrough in its investigation into an international drug trafficking network, the Kannur City police have arrested two foreign nationals who allegedly manufactured and supplied MDMA from Delhi.

Speaking to reporters, Kannur Range DIG K. Karthik said the arrested were identified as Chinelo Lilian, 36, a Nigerian national and Philomene Chanceline, 30, from Cameroon. They were arrested from Burari in Delhi following an investigation that took the Kannur police team across several States.

A chain of arrests

The investigation began with the arrest of a person named Rajinas with 0.6 grams of MDMA at New Mahe. During interrogation, the police learned that the drug had been supplied by Muhammed Sameel. A subsequent search of Sameel’s house and vehicle led to the seizure of 185 grams of MDMA.

Examination of Sameel’s phone and bank records provided the investigators with information about Mujithaba alias Tabu, who allegedly operated as an intermediary. The police said Tabu followed a sophisticated method of hiding drugs at deserted locations and sharing only the location with intermediaries.

Following a scientific investigation, Tabu was taken into custody from Bengaluru. The police found that the drugs were being sent to Keralam from Delhi through parcels. Based on information shared by the Kerala Police, the Haryana Police arrested Tabu’s associate, Arshad Ali, from Gurugram with 800 grams of MDMA.

Subsequently, Abdul Rahman and Ernakulam native Rishad were arrested for allegedly arranging fake documents, SIM cards and mule bank accounts for the drug trade.

The evidence gathered through this chain eventually led the investigators into the two foreign women allegedly manufacturing MDMA in Delhi. The police said the accused repeatedly changed SIM cards and conducted transactions involving crores of rupees through around 20 bank accounts.

A Kannur City police squad stayed in Delhi for nearly 10 days and conducted an intensive investigation before tracing and arresting the two women.

The investigation was conducted under the direction of Mr. Karthik and Kannur District Police Chief B.V. Vijay Bhaskar Reddy, with Thalassery ASP M. Nandagopan leading the team. The Kannur DANSAF squad, Thalassery ASP squad and Thalassery police were also part of the investigation team.

The District Police Chief said the Kannur police would continue their uncompromising action against the drug mafia.