Mumbai: DRI seizes cocaine worth over Rs 7-cr from Ugandan national

The capsules that were removed from the passenger’s body

In a significant operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized a substantial amount of smuggled cocaine worth Rs 7.85 crore from a passenger recently. Acting on precise intelligence, DRI officers apprehended a male Ugandan passenger, suspected of carrying the illicit drug, at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) airport on August 7.

Upon interrogation, the detained passenger confessed to ingesting drug-filled capsules, intending to smuggle them to India. As per legal procedures, the passenger was presented before a magistrate, who subsequently ordered his admission to JJ Hospital where the capsules were removed from his body.

The DRI seized 65 capsules containing a total of 785 grams of cocaine, valued at Rs 7.85 crore. This operation was executed under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

"The apprehended individual has been placed under arrest in accordance with the NDPS Act, 1985, while the investigation continues to uncover potential links to other members of this international syndicate engaged in the unlawful smuggling of narcotics into India," the DRI said in a statement.

"This successful operation underscores the commitment of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in combating drug smuggling, thereby safeguarding the nation's security and welfare. The diligent pursuit of those involved in these illegal activities is a testament to the tireless efforts of the DRI in maintaining the integrity of India's borders," the statement reads further.