NIV scientist Prasad Sarkale arrested in Kochi
Police recovered 3.630 g MDMA from courier parcel
Parcel addressed to NIV office in Alappuzha
Investigation into source of shipment continues
Sarkale previously contributed to COVID-19 research efforts
Kochi, Kerala: Kerala Police have arrested Prasad Sarkale, a National Institute of Virology (NIV) technical officer associated with India's COVID-19 research efforts, after allegedly recovering 3.630 grams of MDMA from a courier parcel in Kochi, according to multiple media reports.
The accused has been identified as Prasad Sarkale (39), a Technical Officer with the National Institute of Virology under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). He is originally from Pune, Maharashtra, and was recently posted to the NIV unit functioning at Government Medical College, Alappuzha.
The arrest has drawn attention because Sarkale has contributed to nationally significant virology research, including work related to SARS-CoV-2.
According to Onmanorama, Sarkale was taken into custody by the Kochi City Police's District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF) on Saturday evening near Cheranalloor in Ernakulam district after collecting a courier parcel that allegedly contained MDMA, a synthetic psychoactive drug.
According to Kerala Kaumudi, the parcel had been addressed to Alappuzha but reached a courier company's main office in Cheranalloor. Sarkale reportedly visited the office directly to collect it instead of waiting for delivery. The report stated that courier employees became suspicious and alerted police.
A report by Vikatan stated that Sarkale tracked the shipment online and learned that delivery to Alappuzha would take additional time after the parcel reached the courier company's central facility in Cheranalloor. According to the report, he travelled to Kochi and collected the parcel directly, an action that reportedly raised suspicion among courier employees, who then informed local police.
Kerala Kaumudi reported that Sarkale was taken into custody on Saturday evening while returning from the courier company's office near Cheranallur Signal Junction in Ernakulam after collecting the parcel.
Onmanorama reported that police officers conducting surveillance near the Cheranalloor area intercepted Sarkale after observing what they described as unusual behaviour. During the inspection, officers allegedly found 3.630 grams of MDMA in the parcel.
Police subsequently arrested him and registered a case under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. According to Kerala Kaumudi, he was later produced before a court and remanded.
According to Kerala Kaumudi, the Cheranallur Police informed NIV authorities about Sarkale's arrest after the case was registered.
Police recovered the drug sachet from a courier packet addressed to Sarkale's office at the NIV unit in Alappuzha, according to Onmanorama.
According to Onmanorama, investigators believe the MDMA originated in Pune and was shipped through a private courier service. The report stated that the substance was allegedly concealed within a parcel containing textile materials. According to police, the sender allegedly concealed the MDMA within folds of a saree and other dress materials before shipping the parcel as a textile consignment.
Police are continuing to investigate the source of the shipment and possible links to suppliers.
Onmanorama further reported that investigators currently have no evidence suggesting that the seized drug was intended for distribution and are examining the possibility that it was meant for personal consumption. However, the investigation remains ongoing.
Vikatan reported that during preliminary questioning, Sarkale allegedly told investigators that the seized MDMA had been ordered for his personal use. The publication also reported that police are examining whether the parcel may have originated from the Netherlands and are investigating possible links to international drug trafficking networks. These aspects of the case remain under investigation.
Sarkale had worked with NIV for approximately 12 years and had received recognition for his technical contributions.
According to Vikatan, Sarkale had received recognition for his work in the technical and medical research field. The publication also reported that he was associated with scientific work linked to India's Covaxin programme and was part of teams that contributed to COVID-19 research efforts.
Onmanorama reported that Sarkale had previously worked at NIV's Pune headquarters and was transferred to Kerala in February 2026. He was posted to the NIV unit functioning in association with Government Medical College, Vandanam, Alappuzha, where research activities include surveillance of infectious diseases such as Nipah virus.
Scientific records show that Sarkale was among the authors of a 2020 peer-reviewed study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research that reported the first isolation of SARS-CoV-2 from clinical samples in India.
According to Sarkale's LinkedIn profile, he has served as a Technical Officer at the National Institute of Virology since February 2011. The profile states that his work has included virus isolation, virus propagation, tissue culture, serological testing, and vaccine development.
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic psychoactive substance that affects brain chemicals involved in mood, perception, and energy levels. It is commonly referred to as "ecstasy" or "molly."
In India, MDMA is classified as a prohibited psychotropic substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and unauthorized possession, sale, transport, or distribution can attract criminal penalties.
Use of MDMA can lead to adverse health effects including increased heart rate, elevated body temperature, dehydration, anxiety, and impaired judgment. Higher doses or repeated use may increase the risk of serious medical complications.
The arrest comes amid intensified anti-drug enforcement activities in Kerala.
Kerala Police recently launched Operation Toofan, a statewide campaign targeting drug trafficking and substance abuse. According to Kerala Police, Operation Toofan led to the registration of 254 cases and the arrest of 278 people in a recent statewide enforcement drive. Authorities also reported seizures of 58 grams of MDMA and 7.464 kilograms of cannabis.
Separately, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) announced last month that it had seized more than 24 kilograms of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in Kerala under Operation Chakravyuh, highlighting the continued focus of enforcement agencies on disrupting drug trafficking networks.
As of publication, neither ICMR nor the National Institute of Virology had publicly released a detailed statement regarding the arrest. The investigation is continuing.
(Rh/MSM)