Daijiworld Media Network - Kochi
Kochi, Apr 15: Authorities in Kerala have once again arrested Rincy Mumtaz (32), widely known as the state’s “drug lady,” over allegations of supplying narcotics to young actors and film production circles. The latest development has exposed troubling evidence of an organised drug distribution network operating in Kochi.
Rincy was taken into custody along with three associates during a late-night operation at a hotel near Nedumbassery airport. The raid, conducted jointly by the Rural District DANSAF unit and Nedumbassery police, followed a credible tip-off about drug trafficking activity.
The co-accused have been identified as Abhijith Purushothaman (24), Shelju (36), and Mohammed Rishad (27). Officers seized 3.58 grams of MDMA from the group, who were allegedly using a hotel room near the airport road as their base of operations. A surprise inspection led to their arrest.
Investigators reported that the narcotics were cleverly concealed in zip-lock pouches hidden ???? clothing. In addition, paraphernalia used for drug consumption, including glass tubes, was recovered from the scene.
Preliminary findings suggest the existence of a deeply rooted supply chain, with Rincy allegedly acting as a central figure distributing MDMA and cocaine to individuals connected with the Malayalam film industry.
Notably, this arrest comes shortly after her release on bail in a similar case, where she had been apprehended with MDMA at an apartment in the city.
Police claim that Rincy leveraged her public persona as an Instagram influencer and her involvement in film promotions to mask her illegal activities. She is believed to have invested substantial amounts in sourcing narcotics and maintained close links with several industry insiders.
Her recent modus operandi reportedly involved targeting international travellers and using hotels near the airport as convenient distribution points.
Authorities have also examined her phone records, which reveal frequent communication with actors and film crew members. However, Rincy has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that these interactions were purely professional.
Police officials are now likely to seek custody of the accused to deepen the investigation.
The case has once again drawn attention to the suspected links between drug networks and certain sections of the film industry, intensifying calls for a more thorough probe into the issue.