Thiruvananthapuram, 21 March (H.S.): In a major drug bust, the Air Customs Intelligence unit at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has arrested two young doctors for attempting to smuggle hybrid cannabis worth ₹1.86 crore into the country from Singapore.

The accused have been identified as Anand Jayaprakash (34), a native of Kollam, and Libin Das (27) from Kannur. Both had completed their MBBS from Wuhan University in China.

According to customs officials, the contraband was concealed inside the luggage carried by Libin Das. The drugs were packed in six separate covers and carefully hidden to evade detection. The duo had arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on a Scoot flight from Singapore on Wednesday night.

Investigations revealed that Anand had travelled to Thailand a few weeks ago, where he allegedly procured the hybrid cannabis. He then transported the consignment to Singapore via Bangkok. At Singapore airport, Anand reportedly met Libin, who had been his junior at university, and sought his help in carrying the luggage through customs.

Aware of the strict screening of passengers arriving from Thailand at Thiruvananthapuram, Anand allegedly devised a plan to switch luggage with Libin upon arrival. Following the plan, Libin carried Anand’s bag containing the drugs, while Anand attempted to exit the airport with Libin’s luggage after clearing customs.

However, the plan unravelled when customs officials, during inspection, discovered the concealed narcotics in the baggage carried by Libin. During questioning, Libin revealed the entire operation, leading to further investigation.

Although Anand initially managed to escape from the airport, a special customs investigation team later tracked him down and arrested him.

Both accused were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody. Authorities are continuing the probe to identify possible links to a larger drug trafficking network.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman