Kozhikode, 28 July (H.S.):Police investigating the drug case involving two school teachers from Vadakara have uncovered suspicious financial transactions running into lakhs of rupees, strengthening their suspicion that the money was linked to narcotics trafficking.

According to investigators, around ₹14 lakh was credited to the bank account of Keerthana within a month, while another accused, Kavya, received nearly ₹9 lakh over a five-month period. Police believe the deposits represent proceeds from the sale of narcotic substances.

Investigators said the two women were not directly involved in supplying drugs to customers. However, they allegedly handled financial transactions connected to the illegal trade. As large sums began flowing into Keerthana's account, part of the money was reportedly transferred to Kavya's account. Police are now tracing those who transferred money to the accused in an effort to identify buyers, associates and others linked to the network.

Officials suspect that the two teachers were part of a larger organised drug syndicate operating in the region. To ensure a comprehensive investigation, the Kozhikode Rural Police have constituted a 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Vadakara Circle Inspector A.V. Dineshan.

The SIT comprises selected officers from the district narcotics cell, cyber cell, Vadakara, Edachery and Payyoli police stations, along with women police personnel. Investigators plan to seek court permission to take the three accused, who are currently in judicial custody, back into police custody for detailed interrogation.

The team will examine financial records, collect additional evidence and identify every individual who transferred money into the accused persons' bank accounts. Police will also investigate whether those individuals had any direct involvement in the drug trade.

The investigation gained momentum after Safan, a resident of Avikkal Beach in Vadakara who was recently arrested with two grams of MDMA, allegedly disclosed Keerthana's role during questioning. Based on that information, police arrested Keerthana from Perambra, leading to the expansion of the probe into what officials now believe is a wider narcotics network.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman