DRI Seizes 198 kg Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE) and 9 kg Cocaine in Navi Mumbai

· Drugs worth Rs 1,476 crore Seized

In a meticulously planned and executed operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recovered 198 kg high purity crystal methamphetamine (ice) and 9 kg high purity Cocaine worth Rs. 1,476 crore on 01.10.2022 in Navi Mumbai. This is one of the biggest seizures of amphetamine and cocaine in the country.

Based on intelligence inputs surveillance was maintained for 10-12 days looking for consignment of fruits being cleared from some cold shortages. On 30th September evening, the team of DRI Mumbai officers intercepted a truck in Vashi, carrying imported Oranges. On thorough checking and examination large quantity of drugs were found concealed in the cartons carrying Valencia oranges. The said truck had left the PrabhuHira Ice & Cold Storage in Vashi with goods laden on it.

This is a new kind of modus operandi involving concealment of drugs in the boxes of “Valentia Oranges” imported from South Africa. After clearance of such oranges from Customs area, the goods used to get stored in some cold storages located in Vashi.

In this regard, the importer of the goods has been nabbed and is being interrogated. Further search operations for identifying and nabbing the people involved in running this chain of smuggling of drugs is on.