India, July 17 -- Kerala Police have arrested a man alleged to be a key figure in a heroin trafficking network operating in the state during a major anti-drug operation named Operation Toofan. The accused, Shafiqul Islam (38), who is reportedly known by the alias "Dada", was taken into custody following an investigation into the largest heroin seizure recorded in Ernakulam district.

The arrest follows the earlier seizure of 609 grams of heroin from three interstate migrant workers in Angamaly. Police claim the investigation identified Islam as a major supplier in the network. Investigators allege that he had lived in Kerala for nearly a decade, initially working in plywood factories before running a scrap business, which they believe was...