KOCHI: A man and a woman were arrested by Excise for possessing intoxicants. The arrested has been identified as Aravind (32 years old), a native of Uppukandam, Idukki, and Ashley (24 years old), a native of Kakkanad and now living in Pallikkara. They were caught in a joint operation by Ernakulam Excise Intelligence and City Excise Range. Excise seized 18.55 grams of MDMA in crystal form and 15 ecstasy pills (1.246 grams) from their possession.

They are part of a gang that sells chemical intoxicants on a large scale in Ernakulam town. Ecstasy pills are so addictive after using them for a while. In Ernakulam town, they used to sell narcotics by taking rooms online at different places. Both of them used to deliver drugs from Bangalore. Three months ago, the Excise Special Action Team caught Aravind's aide Minnal Machane with a superbike worth Rs 14 lakh.

The Excise Shadow team was looking for Aravind, who went into hiding after Minnal Machan was caught. Then an intelligence report claimed that Aravind and Ashley were living in an apartment on AV Joseph Line at Marottichuvad near Edapally. Excise team came to their residence after getting information that they had a large quantity of drugs. The duo took a room and started living here under the pretense of being dog trainers. Both of them were in the room during the day and used to sell drugs at night.

Known by the nicknames Molly, Manti and Button, ecstasy pills have prices ranging from Rs 4000 per pill depending on the demand. A clear indication has been received about the people involved in their group. The accused were taken into custody by a team comprising Inspector Pramod MP, Intelligence Preventive Officer NG Ajithkumar, Preventive Officer TN Ajayakumar, KR Sunil, CEO of City Metro Shadow ND Tommy, P Padmagirishan, Vanitha CEO Animol and driver Praveen. They were later produced in court and remanded.