THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The massive drug bust at the international airport in the capital city is suspected to be linked to an international drug network. Malappuram natives Shahana (21) and Shahid (23) were arrested on Saturday with 10 kg of hybrid cannabis. During their interrogation, it was confirmed that two more people who accompanied them abroad were part of the nexus.

Four Malayali students including two girls met at Bengaluru nightclub. The instant friendship soon roped them into a drug cartel. On the instructions of the mafia gang, all four of them obtained passports last month. They were sent to Thailand on the pretext of a tour package. They were also instructed to bring back the extra luggage handed over by a few people at the Thailand airport.

The students were caught with 10 kg of hybrid cannabis in their luggage brought from Thailand the other day. Shaheed and Shahana initially told the officers that they were studying in Bengaluru. They tried to smuggle 10.06 kg of cannabis hidden in food packets. The accused arrived from Bangkok via Singapore on a Scoot Airlines flight at around 10:30 pm on Saturday.

It is reported that the two met at a pub in Bengaluru and became friends. Investigation revealed that Shahana took Shaheed to Thailand. Shahana has been part of such missions before. Hybrid cannabis is ten times more potent than regular cannabis. It is highly valued in the international market.