Excise arrests female YouTuber in Ernakulam for drug peddling

KOCHI: Female YouTube vlogger was arrested by the Excise in Kochi for possessing deadly drug MDMA and ganja. The arrested has been identified as Swathi Krishna (28), a native of Kunnathunad's Kavumpuram in Ernakulam.

A team led by Kalady Excise Inspector Sijo Varghese nabbed Swathi at Mattoor near Kalady. Swathi's arrest has been recorded. At the time of arrest, Swathi was in possession of 2.781 grams of MDMA and 20 grams of ganja, the excise team said.

The excise team has been monitoring Swathi's movements for the past few years. Swathi mainly targeted college students, young women and youth in Kochi city and other areas of Ernakulam. She sold drugs under the guise of being a YouTube vlogger.

An investigation is underway to see if more members are involved in Swathi's gang. The Excise team conducted surveillance on the basis of a tip-off.

Preventive Officer TV Johnson, Civil Excise Officer Ranjith R Nair, Women Civil Excise Officer KM Tasia and Driver Sajeesh were among the team that arrested Swati. The excise team said that they will take further action after producing Swathi in court.