Indian authorities have issued a Look Out Circular against a Nigerian national, Emmanuel Afam, over his reported connection to the seizure of 3.3kg of MDMA in Kerala.

The Kerala Excise Department said a Look Out Circular had been issued against Afam, who is absconding, as it intensified its investigation into the drug seizure near the Pantheerankavu toll plaza in Kozhikode, according to a report by the United News of India on Wednesday.

The department said, “The special investigation into the seizure of 3.3 kg of MDMA near the Pantheerankavu toll plaza in Kozhikode has been intensified.”

It added that “nine persons have been arrested in connection with the case so far,” while “a Look Out Circular has been issued against Nigerian national Emmanuel Afam, who is absconding.”

The case is part of a wider enforcement operation by the Kerala Excise Department during the Onam season to curb the smuggling and illegal sale of narcotic substances, liquor and banned tobacco products.

The Onam Special Enforcement Drive, which began on August 1 and will run until August 31, has so far resulted in 8,241 cases and 36,633 arrests across Kerala, according to the report.

The department said it had intensified surprise raids and inspections at identified drug and liquor hotspots, suspected storage locations and hideouts of habitual offenders.