DRI, Mumbai arrests Brazilian national at Mumbai Airport for drug smuggling

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 22 (ANI): The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai Zonal Unit, arrested a Brazilian national who arrived at Mumbai Airport from Sao Paulo, accused of smuggling drugs into India. According to a DRI press release, officials seized 973 grams of cocaine, valued at Rs. 9.73 crores on the illicit market.

The DRI stated, “Acting on specific intelligence, officers of the Mumbai Zonal Unit intercepted the Brazilian national on September 18 at Mumbai Airport.

Upon questioning, the individual admitted to ingesting capsules containing drugs and carrying them internally for smuggling purposes. Following a court order, the passenger was admitted to Sir JJ Hospital, Mumbai.”

Officials reported that the accused expelled a total of 124 capsules containing 973 grams of cocaine, worth Rs. 9.73 crores.

The press release further noted, “The 124 capsules containing cocaine, based on field test reports, were seized on September 21, 2024, under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. The passenger has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing to trace other members of the international drug smuggling syndicate.”

The DRI emphasised that this operation reinforces their commitment to combating the drug menace.

In a separate operation in July, the DRI Mumbai Zonal Unit seized 5.34 kg of contraband worth Rs. 5 crores at Mumbai International Airport and arrested one individual, the release added.