The Thiruvananthapuram Rural police arrested a man allegedly in possession of around 815 grams of MDMA, estimated to be worth ₹2.5 crore, in Chirayinkeezhu on Thursday.

The accused has been identified as Mohammed Shafi of Perumathura. The contraband was recovered from a bag he was carrying, according to the police.

The arrest was made by the Rural District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF) team, which had been keeping the accused under surveillance. The police suspect that Shafi had arrived in the area to sell the narcotic substance.

In an apparent attempt to evade police surveillance, he allegedly travelled on foot while carrying the drugs. During questioning, Shafi reportedly told the police that a relative had recently brought the contraband from Oman. However, the police are yet to verify his claim.