KOCHI: The Excise Department has arrested the main members of a group selling drugs centred on Marine Drive in Kochi. The arrested people are Perumbavoor Mudikkal native MS Ajmal (Magic Mehndi, 33), Palluruthy native PM Shemir (47) and Elamkulam native Vishnu (24). While 6.5 grams of MDMA, three smartphones and Rs 9500 were seized from Ajmal and Shemir, 20 grams of ganja were seized from Vishnu.

According to Excise officials, Vishnu is a ganja seller centred on Marine Drive. Ajmal and Shemir were selling MDMA in Marine Drive by creating a special group called 'Moonam Kannu' through social media. Once the drug arrives, they will send a coded message in the group saying that the candy is ready. Following this, those interested should give the number of candies they need and pay through the QR code given in the group. The accused will then pack the drug in the form of candy in a white plastic cover. They will then send a photo of the place where the item is placed and the Google location to the customer. The price ranges from Rs 3000-4500 per gram. From checking their mobile phones, the Excise officials have found that many people, including young men and women, had bought and used drugs from the accused.