In a crucial
breakthrough, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested a Liberian
national trying to smuggle cocaine into India. The detention took place at
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on November 22, 2024, during
a regular inspection of international passengers.
The suspect,
who had arrived from Sierra Leone, was detained after DRI officers detected
that his trolley bag seemed unusually heavy. A thorough examination of the bag
showed a hidden false bottom, which contained two packets of a white powdery
substance. Field tests performed on-site verified the substance to be cocaine,
weighing a total of 3,496 grams.
The illegal
consignment is estimated to have a street worth of ₹34.96 crores in the black
market. The passenger was instantly taken into custody, and an inquiry has been
launched to expose the network behind the smuggling attempt.
The DRI said
that it remains firm in its actions to dismantle global narcotics
trafficking
cartels and protect Indian citizens from the hazards of drugs. Additional
details concerning the investigation are awaited. (PR)