Indian authorities have issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Nigerian national Emmanuel Afam over his reported connection to the seizure of 3.3kg of MDMA in Kerala.
The Kerala Excise Department said the circular was issued against Afam, who is currently absconding, as investigators intensified their probe into the drug seizure near the Pantheerankavu toll plaza in Kozhikode.
According to a report by the United News of India on Wednesday, the department said its special investigation into the seizure had been intensified.
“Nine persons have been arrested in connection with the case so far,” the department said, adding that “a Look Out Circular has been issued against Nigerian national Emmanuel Afam, who is absconding.”
The seizure is part of a wider enforcement operation by the Kerala Excise Department during the Onam season aimed at curbing the smuggling and illegal sale of narcotic substances, liquor and banned tobacco products.
The department launched its Onam Special Enforcement Drive on August 1, with the operation scheduled to run until August 31.
So far, the enforcement campaign has resulted in 8,241 cases and 36,633 arrests across Kerala, according to the report.
Authorities have also intensified surprise raids and inspections at identified drug and liquor hotspots, suspected storage facilities and hideouts linked to habitual offenders.
The Kerala Excise Department said the intensified enforcement efforts are aimed at disrupting networks involved in the illegal distribution and sale of narcotic substances during the festive period.
Afam’s current whereabouts remain unknown, while investigations into the 3.3kg MDMA seizure and the involvement of other suspects are ongoing.
