Fazaluddin T., a Kerala resident previously released from a Saudi Arabian prison after a blood money settlement, was arrested on July 14 for allegedly leading an interstate methamphetamine network. The Kannur police detained him following an investigation into narcotics supply chains in the Iritty region.
A 45-year-old man, identified as Fazaluddin T., was arrested by police in Kerala's Kannur district on July 14. Law enforcement authorities allege he was the mastermind behind an interstate drug trafficking network that distributed methamphetamine in the Iritty area.
Criminal History and Background
Fazaluddin’s past includes a significant legal case in Saudi Arabia, where he was arrested in 2006 for the murder of a passenger while working as a taxi driver. He remained in a Saudi prison until 2016, when his release was secured following the payment of approximately Rs 80 lakh in blood money, a sum raised by various organizations. Upon his return to India, he shifted his residence to Bengaluru. In 2023, he was arrested by Bengaluru authorities in connection with the possession of a large quantity of cannabis. Police investigations suggest that his time in the Bengaluru prison allowed him to establish connections with organized drug syndicates.
Investigation and Recent Arrest
Following his release from prison in January 2026, Fazaluddin returned to Iritty and took up employment at a local eatery, according to police reports. The current investigation into his activities began after authorities apprehended another local individual last month who was found in possession of methamphetamine. During the follow-up inquiry, police tracked the source of the seized narcotics back to a network purportedly managed by Fazaluddin. After a period of police surveillance, he was taken into custody to face further questioning regarding his alleged role in the interstate drug trade.
The investigation remains ongoing as police look into the extent of the drug network and potential links to other interstate suppliers. The next significant update in this case will likely emerge as the police present their findings to the court during the remand proceedings.