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DRI Seizes 4.7 kg of Cocaine Worth ₹47 Crore from International Airport in Mumbai

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has intercepted a female passenger arriving from Colombo at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, seizing a significant quantity of cocaine worth approximately ₹47 crore. The seizure was made possible through a thorough examination of the passenger's baggage, which revealed nine pouches of a white powdery substance concealed within coffee packets. The preliminary testing of the substance confirmed its identity as cocaine. In a further crackdown on the syndicate, the DRI apprehended four additional individuals, including one who was to receive the consignment and three others linked to the financing, logistics, and distribution network of the smuggled narcotics.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DRI seized 4.7 kg of cocaine worth approximately ₹47 crore from a female passenger arriving from Colombo at the Mumbai airport.
  • The cocaine was concealed within nine pouches, which were hidden inside coffee packets.
  • Preliminary testing with the NDPS field kit confirmed the substance to be cocaine.
  • Five individuals have been arrested, including the passenger and four others linked to the syndicate.
  • The DRI has identified a concerning trend of international drug syndicates exploiting Indian women as couriers.
  • The accused have been arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
  • The seizing agency, DRI, has been effective in cracking down on international drug trafficking networks.

Statistics:

  • 4.7 kg of cocaine seized by the DRI
  • Approximate value of the cocaine: ₹47 crore
  • Number of pouches containing cocaine: 9
  • Number of coffee packets used to conceal the cocaine: 9 (one per pouch)
  • Number of accused arrested: 5
  • Number of individuals assessed to be part of the syndicate: 3 (apart from the passenger)
  • Act under which the accused have been arrested: Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985

Sources:

  • The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
  • The Finance Ministry Statement (published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Pioneer)

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