Thrissur: In a significant operation, police apprehended two individuals on Tuesday morning for allegedly smuggling approximately 252 grams of MDMA using an ambulance. The vehicle was moving with its beacon lights and siren activated on the Thrissur-Palakkad route at Vaniampara.
Details of the Arrest
The suspects were identified as Faith P Johny (21), a resident of Mannuthi Vettikkal, and Chirayathu Veettil Sandeep (42), from Anchery Valarkavu in the district. Acting on a tip-off, authorities intercepted the ambulance bearing the name 'Sharon' around 6:30 am. During a thorough search, MDMA valued at nearly Rs 8.5 lakh was seized from the vehicle, where it had been cleverly concealed.
Police Commissioner's Statement
City police commissioner Nakul Rajendra Deshmukh revealed that the ambulance was not carrying any patients. “They were transporting the narcotic substance from Bengaluru. They had traveled to Bengaluru on Sunday night and returned the same night, apparently to evade police attention. They kept the beacon light and siren on during both legs of the journey,” Deshmukh stated.
The commissioner acknowledged the difficulty in searching ambulances, as it could cause inconvenience to patients and their relatives. However, due to credible intelligence input about the presence of drugs, the search was conducted. He added that police would investigate whether the accused had prior involvement in drug smuggling, although the duo claimed it was their first attempt.
Ongoing Investigation
Further investigation is underway to trace the origin of the MDMA and identify any other individuals involved in the racket. Police are also planning to conduct awareness programs at hospitals and among ambulance operators to curb the drug menace, Deshmukh said.
