Kozhikode, 26 July (H.S): The Kerala Police have arrested another teacher in connection with an alleged MDMA trafficking network in Kozhikode district, as the ongoing investigation under the State-wide anti-drug campaign Operation Thoofan continues to uncover new links in the distribution chain.

The arrested accused has been identified as Kavya (29), a resident of Cherukad in Koorachundu and a teacher attached to the Perambra Block Resource Centre (BRC). Her arrest comes nearly two weeks after police arrested Keerthana, a specialist teacher from Maruthonkara who was also employed at the same BRC.

Investigators said the breakthrough came after a detailed examination of Keerthana's financial transactions following her arrest on July 11. Police suspect that the two teachers played key roles in facilitating the sale and distribution of MDMA in the region.

According to the investigation, individuals seeking to purchase the synthetic drug transferred money to Keerthana's bank account. Once the payment was confirmed, buyers were allegedly sent a location over the phone where another individual would deliver the contraband. Police believe Keerthana acted as an intermediary between suppliers and consumers rather than directly handling the drug.

Further investigation revealed that a substantial portion of the money received in Keerthana's account was subsequently transferred to Kavya's account. This financial trail led officers to Kavya, who is now suspected of having links with the drug suppliers behind the network. Police are continuing to investigate the extent of her involvement and are examining whether more individuals were part of the operation.

The investigation originated from the arrest of a youth from Vadakara who was found in possession of MDMA. Information gathered during the probe eventually led officers to the two teachers and exposed the alleged financial network supporting the drug trade.

Following her arrest in the narcotics case, Keerthana, who was employed as a specialist teacher on a contractual basis, was dismissed from service by the Perambra BRC authorities. Police said the investigation remains active and that further arrests are likely as they work to identify the suppliers and other members of the alleged MDMA distribution network.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman