Archive · 28 May 2025
Men Jailed for Months After Rock Sugar Mistaken for MDMA
Imagine two friends, Manikandan and Biju, went to Kozhikode for a job opportunity.
The police thought they had illegal drugs, specifically MDMA, but it was actually rock sugar.
The friends were arrested and sent to jail for five months while they waited for tests.
During this time, they couldn't get out on bail, and their families suffered.
Eventually, the tests proved them innocent, and they were released.
Sadly, they faced tough times after they were released as they lost jobs and faced social stigma.
Two men were arrested in November 2024 and jailed for five months after police mistook rock sugar for MDMA.
The men, Manikandan and Biju Mathew, were apprehended by the Nadakavu police in Kozhikode.
Despite claims the substance was rock sugar, they were charged with MDMA possession and denied bail.
A chemical analysis confirmed the substance was not a narcotic, leading to their release after 151 days.
The men faced social stigma and financial hardship following their release.
- Who
- Manikandan and Biju Mathew were arrested, and the Nadakavu police were involved.
- What
- Two men were wrongly jailed for possessing what was believed to be MDMA, which was actually rock sugar.
- When
- The men were arrested on November 26, 2024, and released after five months.
- Where
- Kozhikode, India.
- Why
- The men were arrested because the police mistakenly believed the substance in their possession was MDMA based on the color of the powder.
Accused's Position
DANSAF's Position
Basis of Arrest
Accused's Position
The men claim they were falsely accused.
DANSAF's Position
The men were arrested based on credible intelligence.
- Arrest Date
- November 26, 2024
- Location
- Kozhikode
- Substance Quantity
- 58 grams
- Length of Imprisonment
- 151 days
- Court that ordered release
- Vadakara NDPS court