Kochi, Oct 30 The prime accused in a major 2024 drug trafficking case involving the seizure of MDMA, LSD stamps and ganja in Athani was arrested by police in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, after evading arrest for nearly two years, officials said on Friday.
The arrested person was identified as Ragesh (32), alias Jumanji, a native of Thalappilly in Thrissur district.
On June 27, 2024, Nedumbassery police seized 316 grams of MDMA, two LSD stamps and 420 grams of ganja from a car allegedly carrying the contraband from Bengaluru.
The seizure was made at Athani, near here, officials said.
Two other accused, identified as Asad (38), a native of Kumbassery in Thottumugham, Aluva, and Harikrishnan (28), a native of Keezhmuri, Tirurangadi, Malappuram, had been arrested earlier.
The vehicle was seized, as well.
According to police, Ragesh had allegedly provided financial assistance to procure the drugs.
After learning of the arrest of the other accused, he fled to Kullu, where he had been living at a resort about 20 km uphill from the base camp and working as a tourist guide, police said.
Police recently received a tip-off that Ragesh was hiding in Kullu.
As the location was difficult to access, the investigation team disguised themselves as tourists and stayed there for several days before taking him into custody, officials said.
The accused was produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as Molly or Ecstasy, is a banned substance.
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a potent hallucinogen with a high potential for abuse.
(PTI News)
