Fashion photographer arrested with MDMA; drug dealings in film industry under probe

KOCHI: Fashion photographer Arun K Nair (34) of Poothakkuzhi House in Pampady, Kottayam, has been arrested with 38.13 grams of MDMA. The Ernakulam Excise Squad arrested Arun from Kakkanad while he was travelling in a car carrying the drug. More than Rs 15 lakh was also recovered from the car.

Excise Deputy Commissioner P K Satheesh said Arun’s alleged drug dealings in the film industry had been detected and a detailed investigation had been launched. Arun allegedly sold drugs mainly to youngsters and students. He was also found using drugs at the time of his arrest, officials said. The Rs 15 lakh was kept in a bag inside the car. More arrests are expected in the case.

The investigation has found that a person named Ubaid from Kozhikode was supplying drugs to Arun, according to the Excise Department. Arun was staying at a luxury hotel in Kakkanad. He allegedly sold MDMA, which he procured from Delhi and other northern states, for Rs 3,000 per gram. The Excise Department will also examine Arun's financial transactions and phone call records as part of the investigation.

Arun was arrested during an inspection conducted by the Ernakulam Excise Squad under the leadership of Inspector K S Kannan. He was produced before a magistrate and remanded.