Palakkad, 23 August (H.S.):A youth from Thrissur was arrested after Excise officials allegedly found 142 grams of methamphetamine concealed inside a creatine supplement container during a vehicle inspection at the Walayar Excise checkpost.

The accused has been identified as Jithin, a resident of Vellarakkad near Kunnamkulam in Thrissur district. The seized methamphetamine is estimated to be worth several lakh rupees in the illegal drug market.

Officials said the seizure was made around midnight on Saturday while Excise personnel were conducting routine checks on vehicles passing through the Walayar checkpost. Jithin was travelling on a private bus named Maruti, which was operating from Bengaluru to Ernakulam.

The Excise team became suspicious after noticing Jithin's behaviour during the inspection. Officials subsequently examined his luggage and found a creatine container inside the bag. A detailed search of the container revealed that methamphetamine had allegedly been concealed in it in an attempt to evade detection.

The officials recovered 142 grams of methamphetamine from the container. One gram of cannabis was also allegedly seized from Jithin's possession.

The accused was taken into custody and his arrest was formally recorded under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The seized narcotic substances and other material evidence were also taken into official custody.

Excise officials have initiated an investigation to determine the source of the methamphetamine and identify the persons who supplied it to the accused. They are also examining whether the consignment was intended for distribution in Ernakulam or other parts of Kerala.

Investigators are expected to scrutinise Jithin's travel history, mobile phone records and contacts as part of the inquiry. Officials will also investigate whether he was acting independently or was part of a wider interstate drug-trafficking network operating between Bengaluru and Kerala.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman