1 held for smuggling over 50 kg cocaine worth over INR 500 Cr at Mumbai Airport

Crimes related to Illegal import of drugs and exotic items in Mumbai have increased significantly. In a recently reported incident, cocaine worth INR 502 crore was seized by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and it is being said that the same was being carried in a container with green apples and pears, imported from South Africa.

Information regarding the same was shared by DR’s specific intelligence unit based out of Mumbai. Upon receiving the details, the zonal unit reached the Nhava Sheva port on Thursday, and found that several bricks made of high-quality cocaine were found in the container. Detailed investigation report shared by the team informs that each brick weighed over a kg and a total of 50 bricks were seized from the investigation. The value of the items has been recorded to be approximately INR 502 crore and weighs over 50 kg. 

Details regarding the importer is being sought and as per the information available an importer with the same name who was arrested previously by the DRI in a similar case reported in Vashi, is being interrogated by the officials. Authorities have informed that the importer has been involved in seizure of 198 kg meth and 9 kg of cocaine which was also from South Africa, whereby the items came in a container with oranges. Based on the previous reports, this is believed to be one of the largest cases related to smuggling cocaine reported from the recent past. 

Based on the evidence obtained, officials have arrested the importer as per the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.  

In another incident, the DRI also recovered exotic species of animals which included turtles and pythons imported by Air Cargo. As per reports, a total of 665 were found in the complex, as a part of one of the biggest seizures of rare and exotic wildlife species reported in Mumbai over the last few years. Information regarding the import consignment was received by the team and based on the intelligence report DRI officials intercepted the transporters with a concrete plan.