The arrest was carried out by a special investigation team led by Ernakulam Rural Police Chief K.S. Sudarshan. Police said the accused emerged as a major supplier during the investigation that followed the seizure of 609 grams of heroin from three interstate migrant workers in Angamaly.
According to investigators, Shafiqul Islam had been residing in Kerala for nearly 10 years. He initially worked in plywood factories before entering the scrap business, which police allege later became a front for heroin trafficking activities.
Police claimed that the accused maintained a luxurious lifestyle and frequently travelled between Kochi and Assam by air. Investigators stated that heroin purchased in Assam for approximately Rs 30,000 per packet was allegedly sold in Kerala for Rs 80,000 to Rs 1 lakh. The drug was further repackaged into small bottles and allegedly sold for around Rs 1,000 per bottle.
Perumbavoor was reportedly the primary area of operation for the accused. Police said he rented multiple houses in different parts of the district, carefully selecting locations that would not draw attention from neighbours or law enforcement agencies.
During a search of one such rented house at Poonjassery near Perumbavoor, police recovered hundreds of small bottles suspected to have been used for repackaging heroin. Investigators also claimed that bank accounts connected to the accused showed transactions worth several lakhs of rupees conducted under the cover of his scrap business.
Police further revealed that the three individuals arrested earlier were allegedly part of a wider network responsible for transporting heroin from Assam to Kerala by car. The drugs were reportedly hidden inside specially created compartments in the vehicle and packed inside soap boxes to evade detection. The vehicle involved in the transportation had an Assam registration number.
Authorities described the earlier recovery of 609 grams of heroin as the largest heroin seizure ever recorded in Ernakulam district. The investigation was conducted by a team led by Perumbavoor Assistant Superintendent of Police Hardik Meena and Aluva Deputy Superintendent of Police N. Babukkuttan, along with officers from Nedumbassery Police Station.
The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the interstate heroin trafficking network, with further probe continuing to identify additional links and operations connected to the case.
About The Author
Comment List