Did DRI Really Seize Cocaine Worth Rs 62.6 Crore from an Indian Woman at Mumbai Airport?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- DRI's recent seizure at Mumbai Airport demonstrates its active role in combating drug trafficking.
- The cocaine's estimated value highlights the seriousness of the drug trade in India.
- Innovative concealment methods are being used by smugglers to evade detection.
- Ongoing investigations reflect the commitment of authorities to tackle narcotics.
- The fight against illegal drugs is crucial for national security.
Mumbai, July 15 (NationPress) The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), based in Mumbai, has successfully confiscated cocaine valued at Rs 62.6 crore from an Indian woman at the Mumbai International Airport, as confirmed by an official on Monday.
Intelligence gathered by DRI Mumbai officers suggested that a female Indian national arriving from Doha to Mumbai on July 14 was involved in the smuggling of narcotics into India.
Upon receiving this intelligence, DRI Mumbai officials intercepted the woman upon her arrival at the airport.
After a meticulous examination of her luggage, officials discovered six Oreo boxes and three chocolate boxes. Upon opening these containers, all nine boxes were revealed to hold capsules filled with a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine. In total, 300 capsules were seized.
Each of these capsules was tested with a field kit, yielding positive results for cocaine.
A grand total of 6261 grams of cocaine, with an estimated illicit market value of Rs 62.6 crore, was seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The passenger has been arrested as well.
Investigations are ongoing.
According to an official statement, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is a key player in the fight against drug trafficking in India, actively working to intercept illegal narcotics, dismantle trafficking networks, and protect national security.
Earlier, on July 8, the Airport Intelligence Unit (AIU) at Tiruchi International Airport seized 11.8 kilograms of top-quality hydroponic cannabis.
This narcotic, valued at approximately Rs 12 crore in the illegal market, was found in the baggage of a passenger who arrived from Bangkok via Kuala Lumpur.
According to airport customs officials, the interception was executed based on specific intelligence shared by the DRI. AIU officials promptly acted following the passenger's arrival, detaining him for a thorough screening and baggage inspection.
During the search, officials uncovered 28 neatly packed pouches of hydroponic cannabis—an advanced, soil-free marijuana variety cultivated using nutrient-rich water under controlled conditions, making it significantly more potent than traditional strains.
The packets were cleverly concealed within personal items to avoid detection.