In a major anti-narcotics operation, Thiruvananthapuram Rural Police arrested seven people early Thursday near Kaniyapuram. Those caught include Asim (29), Avinash (29), Ajith (30), doctor Vignesh Dathan (34), Ansiya (37), dental student Haleena (27), and Harish (29). The police seized 4 grams of MDMA, one gram of hybrid ganja, and 100 grams of ganja. They also confiscated two cars, two motorcycles, and ten mobile phones. The arrests followed a joint raid by the Attingal and Nedumangad District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force (DANSAF). The accused were found at a rented house in Thoppil near Kaniyapuram and then handed over to Kadinamkulam police. Asim and Ajith are repeat offenders with prior drug cases and had recently been released on bail after serving partial sentences. The gang, reportedly led by Asim, smuggled MDMA and other narcotics from Bengaluru. They sold these drugs to students, doctors, and IT workers. The group had escaped arrest days before by ramming a police jeep. Based on tips, police surrounded their hideout in a pre-dawn raid to capture them. Investigators believe Asim, Ajith, and Ansiya were the key traffickers. The others likely came to buy or use drugs. Though Vignesh holds an MBBS degree, he is not practicing medicine. Police fear many would seek drugs with the New Year arrival, prompting increased watch. The traffickers reportedly avoided digital payments, using in-person deals to dodge police tracking.