Kochi: A 31-year-old doctor, Amjad Ahasan from Vadakkekara in North Paravur, was arrested in Kochi on Monday after being found in possession of MDMA, a synthetic narcotic drug. The arrest was made near Pulleppady Road close to Lisie Hospital during a special operation led by the District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force (DANSAF).
Arrest details
According to police, Dr. Ahasan was caught with 0.83 grams of MDMA while allegedly attempting to procure the substance. He had reportedly been under surveillance for over a month following a tip-off. The operation was supervised by Kochi City Police Commissioner and carried out under the leadership of Narcotics Assistant Commissioner K. A. Abdul Salam.
Police sources said that although the seized quantity falls under the limit that allows station bail under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, authorities plan to produce the accused in court. Officials stressed that the involvement of a medical professional in a drug case is especially serious, raising questions about possible misuse of medical spaces.
Wider concerns about drug use
The incident has drawn attention to the growing challenge of synthetic drugs in Kerala. Law enforcement officials pointed out that medical professionals are not immune to drug abuse, and the case has raised concerns about the possible spread of narcotics within sensitive environments like hospitals.
Authorities have also expressed fears of small networks operating among professionals, which are difficult to monitor. Police said that the case of Dr. Ahasan will be thoroughly investigated to determine if others are involved.
Crackdown on narcotics in Kerala
Kerala has witnessed an intensified crackdown on drugs in recent months. Under the ongoing Operation D-Hunt, police across the state have arrested several suspects and seized significant quantities of narcotics, including MDMA and ganja.
In another case in Kochi, police recently seized 277 grams of MDMA from a major peddler operating in the city. The continuing arrests highlight the scale of synthetic drug trafficking and consumption in the state, particularly in urban centres.
Conclusion
The arrest of Dr. Amjad Ahasan underscores the reach of the drug menace into unexpected sections of society, including the medical profession. While the seized amount was small, the incident has triggered a wider debate on the vulnerability of young professionals to synthetic drugs and the urgent need for continued vigilance by law enforcement agencies.