KOCHI: In a major breakthrough in the case relating to the seizure of a significant quantity of synthetic drugs and highly potent ecstasy pills from a flat in Kakkanad, police have uncovered the accused’s connections to drug mafias, identifying him as a key supplier behind a recent white-collar party held at a luxury hotel in Kadavanthra.
Based on these findings, the probe team has filed a custody application for Kevin B Mathew, 42, a resident of Chembumukku, who was apprehended by a special city DANSAF squad on Friday evening.
“Investigation suggests that Kevin supplied drugs to a recent white-collar party held at a luxury hotel in Kadavanthra, attended by doctors, advocates, and businessmen. Those involved were earlier detained by the police but later released as only a small quantity of drugs was recovered.
However, based on leads obtained from them, we kept Kevin under surveillance and subsequently arrested him from his residence,” said T D Sunil Kumar, assistant commissioner in charge of the narcotic cell with Kochi city police.
“We are also probing whether he had a network of agents supplying narcotics not only within the city but also in rural areas,” Sunil Kumar said.
Meanwhile, a source with the city police said Kevin had been involved in drug trafficking for several years and had managed to evade arrest.
“Interrogation revealed that Kevin used associates and luxury vehicles as a cover for drug trafficking. The probe team has also traced significant financial transactions through his bank accounts, amounting to more than Rs 20 lakh in recent months. Further interrogation is required to uncover more details,” the officer said.
Explaining the modus operandi, an officer with the DANSAF squad said Kevin procured synthetic drugs through his network and acted as their custodian.
He frequented venues such as bars hosting DJ parties where he identified potential customers and established contacts. Later, he would supply the drugs directly, collect the money, and leave the spot quickly without drawing attention.
After each transaction, he would go into hiding for a few days before returning and repeating the pattern, the source said.
“Most often, he would hide his identity to clients, making it difficult to trace his role in the drugs network. However, by presenting himself as a reliable supplier within elite white-collar circles and building close relationships for future deals, he ultimately exposed himself, which led to his arrest,” said the officer.