In one of the state’s largest hybrid cannabis seizures in recent times, Kerala Police have arrested a husband and wife duo after recovering narcotics worth an estimated ₹18 crore during a late-night operation conducted under the statewide anti-drug drive Operation Toofan. The accused have been identified as Ayush, a resident of Vypin, and his wife Anigha.

According to police, Ayush had been under surveillance for several days before being intercepted while travelling on a two-wheeler. Officers reportedly recovered around 1.5 kg of hybrid marijuana hidden in a bag he was carrying at the time of arrest. The initial seizure prompted further investigation into his activities and possible network connections.

During questioning, Ayush allegedly revealed that a larger quantity of narcotics was stored at a rented apartment where he lived with his wife. Acting on this information, police conducted a search of the premises and recovered over 16 kg of hybrid marijuana, bringing the total seizure to approximately 18 kg. Following this discovery, Anigha was also taken into custody on charges of involvement in the alleged drug operation.

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Police officials said preliminary investigations suggest that the couple functioned not as low-level carriers but as wholesale distributors in a larger narcotics network. They added that the seized drugs were believed to have been sourced from abroad, pointing towards an international supply chain that is now under active investigation.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Yatish Chandra stated that investigators have gathered crucial leads about those involved in supplying the narcotics and are working to trace both upstream suppliers and downstream distributors. He noted that the couple allegedly stored the contraband for large-scale distribution, indicating an organised trafficking structure.

Authorities further said efforts are underway to identify retail-level dealers and potential buyers connected to the network. Police have indicated that more arrests are likely as the investigation expands, with multiple leads being pursued to dismantle the wider drug trafficking chain operating across the region.

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