Mumbai: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) made a major breakthrough on Monday by arresting an Indian woman at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai with cocaine worth Rs 62.6 crore.
According to officials, the Cocaine was put inside capsules and then packed in Oreo and chocolate boxes to avoid detection.
“The DRI had developed specific intelligence about an attempt to smuggle narcotics by an Indian woman arriving at Mumbai from Doha. The suspect was stopped and a thorough search of her baggage was carried out, leading to the seizure and her subsequent arrest,” an official said.
Six Oreo and three chocolate boxes were found inside her baggage. On opening the boxes, officials found capsules filled with a powdery, white substance. There were 300 such capsules.
“The content of each capsule was tested using a field test kit. The material tested positive for Cocaine. The total weight of the seizure was 6,261 grams. The estimated value of the narcotics is Rs 62.6 crore in the illicit market,” the official added.
The Cocaine was seized under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. In addition and the passenger was taken into custody. Further investigation is in progress to find out the woman’s exact role in the whole racket.
“We are trying to find out whether she is a member of the racket or a courier on hire. Efforts are on to track down the person to whom she was to hand over the consignment. This is certainly the handwork of a well-organized gang,” the official said.
The DRI stands at the forefront of combating drug trafficking in India and plays a pivotal role in intercepting illicit narcotics, dismantling trafficking networks, and safeguarding national security.
Last week, the customs department had seized 33.35 kg of hydroponic weed in three cases at the Mumbai airport. The value of the haul in the illicit market is Rs 33.35 crore. Eight persons were arrested in this connection.