Did DRI Uncover 4 kg of Cocaine Concealed in Comic Books at Bengaluru Airport?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
An Indian national was apprehended at Bengaluru Airport for smuggling over four kg of cocaine worth Rs 40 crore. Hidden in comic books, this incident raises concerns about narcotics trafficking methods. The DRI's swift action exemplifies ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling in India.
Key Takeaways
- Over four kg of cocaine seized at Bengaluru Airport.
- Contraband hidden in comic books.
- Passenger arrested under NDPS Act, 1985.
- Separate narcotics case in South Kashmir.
- NCB enhances enforcement efforts in Jammu and Kashmir.
Bengaluru, July 19 (NationPress) An Indian traveler arriving from Doha at Bengaluru International Airport has been apprehended for smuggling over four kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated value of around Rs 40 crore, according to an official from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Saturday.
The illicit substance was cleverly hidden within two superhero comic books, which felt suspiciously heavy, the official reported.
The DRI team successfully extracted the white powder, which tested positive for cocaine, from the magazine covers and detained the male passenger early on Friday in accordance with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, the official confirmed.
In a different operation, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Srinagar Zone, dismantled a narcotics smuggling network in South Kashmir, arresting a former militant and his accomplice.
Based on precise intelligence, the NCB Srinagar executed a targeted raid in the Bijbehara region of Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir on July 8-9.
This operation resulted in the confiscation of around 28 kilograms of poppy straw and the capture of the two suspects – former militant Shabir, from Nowshera, Police Station Srigufwara, District Anantnag, and Amin, from Kanelwan, Police Station Bijbehara, District Anantnag.
Further interrogation revealed an additional 11 kilograms of poppy straw at Shabir's residence in Nowshera, Srigufwara, Anantnag.
Investigations disclosed that Shabir was previously affiliated with the banned group Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and had a history of arrest for terrorist activities in 1996, being released in 2004.
Scrutiny of Amin's criminal record showed his prior involvement in NDPS cases, including one registered in Indaura, Himachal Pradesh, in 2017, and another at Srigufwara, District Anantnag, where 523 kilograms of poppy straw was seized. He was released on bail in both instances.
An official stated that ongoing investigations are focusing on identifying connections within the case, indicating that this network sources contraband from local poppy growers and facilitates its illicit interstate transport.
The establishment of the NCB office in Srinagar is part of the Union Government's strategic effort to enhance narcotics enforcement across Jammu and Kashmir.
Point of View
I stand with our commitment to reporting on issues of national significance. The recent drug bust at Bengaluru Airport not only highlights the challenges we face in combating narcotics trafficking but also emphasizes the diligent efforts of our law enforcement agencies. It's crucial we remain vigilant and informed about such incidents that affect the safety and security of our society.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the value of the cocaine seized?
The cocaine seized was valued at approximately Rs 40 crore.
How was the cocaine concealed?
The cocaine was cleverly concealed within the covers of superhero comic books.
What actions were taken against the passenger?
The passenger was arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
What was the previous history of the arrested individuals?
The arrested individuals had prior connections to narcotics activities and affiliations with banned groups.
What is the significance of the NCB office in Srinagar?
The NCB office in Srinagar is part of a strategic initiative to enhance narcotics enforcement in Jammu and Kashmir.
