New Delhi, 22 June 2023: In a significant operation, officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) have successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle 3.22 kilograms of “Black Cocaine,” a designer drug, into India at SVPI Airport in Ahmedabad.
Intelligence gathered by authorities had revealed that a Brazilian national, traveling from Sau Paulo Airport to Ahmedabad International Airport, was planning to smuggle cocaine into India. Acting on this information, DRI officials intercepted the individual upon their arrival at Ahmedabad International Airport. The passenger was traveling on a tourist visa. Rigorous examination of the passenger’s belongings, including their trolley and cabin bags, initially did not reveal any concealment.
However, during the inspection, DRI officials noticed an unusually thick rubbery material on the base area and walls of the two bags. Upon applying pressure, the material became granular and brittle. Subsequently, forensic science laboratory officers conducted an examination using specialized field-testing kits, which confirmed the presence of cocaine. As a result, 3.22 kilograms of the substance were seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The apprehended passenger admitted their active involvement in the smuggling operation and was subsequently arrested.
“Black Cocaine” is a designer drug in which cocaine is mixed with charcoal and other chemicals to give it a black, rubbery appearance, aimed at camouflaging and evading detection by canines and field-testing kits. This unique modus operandi employed to smuggle cocaine marks the first instance of “Black Cocaine” seizure by the DRI.
Further investigations are currently underway to uncover additional details and potential connections related to this smuggling operation.
