In a major strike
against international narcotics syndicates, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
seized 4.7 kg of cocaine,
valued at around ₹47
crore, from a female
passenger arriving from Colombo at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
International Airport (CSMIA).
Acting on specific intelligence,
DRI officers intercepted the passenger and discovered nine pouches of cocaine concealed inside
coffee packets during baggage examination. The substance tested
positive for cocaine
using an NDPS field kit.
A swift follow-up operation
led to the arrest of four
more individuals — including one receiver at the airport and
three others linked to financing,
logistics, and distribution of the narcotics. All five accused have been
arrested under the Narcotic
Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Recent DRI operations
suggest a growing trend of
drug cartels using Indian women as couriers and concealing
narcotics within food
products to evade detection.
The agency has launched
a wider investigation
to trace the transnational
network behind the smuggling attempt.
In
a major blow to international drug trafficking networks, the Directorate of
Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 4.7 kg of cocaine, valued at
approximately ₹47 crore in the illicit market, from a female passenger
arriving from Colombo at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
(CSMIA), Mumbai.
Acting
on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted the passenger shortly after
her arrival and subjected her baggage to detailed examination. The scrutiny led
to the discovery of nine pouches of a white powdery substance cleverly
concealed inside coffee packets. Preliminary testing with the NDPS field kit
confirmed the substance to be cocaine.
In
a swift and coordinated follow-up operation, the DRI apprehended four
additional persons of the syndicate — one who had come to the airport to
receive the consignment and three others linked to the financing, logistics,
and distribution network of the smuggled narcotics. All five accused have been
arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
(NDPS) Act, 1985).
Some
of the recent seizures by DRI indicate a concerning trend wherein international
drug syndicates are increasingly exploiting Indian women as couriers, while
concealing narcotics within food items and everyday edibles to camouflage the
contraband and evade detection.
Further
investigation is underway to uncover the wider transnational syndicate
orchestrating the smuggling attempt. The DRI remains steadfast in its mission
to dismantle such networks and is committed to the vision of “Nasha Mukt
Bharat”, by relentlessly disrupting narcotics supply chains and safeguarding
India’s youth, economy, and national security.