In a desperate bid to evade arrest, a 28-year-old man from Mykavu in Kozhikode district, identified as Iyyadan Shanid, swallowed 130 grams of MDMA concealed in two plastic covers and later succumbed at a state-run hospital on Saturday, police said.
Despite his attempt to escape, Shanid was apprehended by the police and immediately rushed to the hospital.
During an endoscopy, doctors discovered white granules inside two plastic sachets lodged in his stomach.
"However, it remains uncertain whether his death was caused by a drug overdose or complications arising from the plastic covers ingested. We are now awaiting the results of the post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death," said an officer of Kozhikode police.
Kerala has been witnessing an alarming surge in drug-related crimes and violence. In 2024 alone, as many as 24,517 individuals were arrested on charges linked to drug offences.
The Kerala High Court has also expressed concerns over the infiltration of drugs into educational institutions, affecting students and exacerbating the social crisis.
The state's conviction rate for drug-related cases stands at an impressive 98.19 per cent, significantly higher than the national average of 78.1 per cent.
However, the rising number of cases suggests that enforcement alone is insufficient to curb the menace.
Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Kerala Legislative Assembly suspended its regular proceedings on 3 March to discuss the widespread social impact of drug abuse.
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During the session, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grave concern over the surge in drug addiction and related violent incidents, attributing them to deep-rooted moral, social, and economic failings within society.
He stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the crisis, calling for reforms in parenting, education, and social responsibility.
The rising drug menace has been accompanied by a series of brutal and shocking violent incidents across the state. In Kozhikode, a 10th-grade student was beaten to death by peers from another school, an act that sent shockwaves through the local community.
Meanwhile, in Thiruvananthapuram, a 23-year-old man went on a murderous rampage, killing four of his relatives and his alleged girlfriend.
In another incident from the same district, a young man violently killed his father following a dispute.
The glorification of violence in Malayalam cinema has also drawn criticism, with lawmakers raising concerns about the potential influence of such films on impressionable minds.
Many argue that this could inadvertently contribute to the normalisation of violence and substance abuse among the youth.
Chief Minister Vijayan's call for an all-encompassing strategy highlights the urgency of a multi-pronged approach to address the crisis effectively.
Strengthening rehabilitation programmes, raising community awareness, and integrating anti-drug education into school curricula are considered essential steps.
Additionally, cracking down on drug trafficking networks and enhancing coordination between law enforcement agencies are critical to curbing the supply of narcotics in the state.
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