The Revenue Intelligence Directorate (DRI) team achieved a major success at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Approximately 8 kg of cocaine worth ₹79.5 crore was recovered from two female passengers arriving from Bangkok. The dangerous narcotic was cleverly concealed inside packets of toys placed in their bags.

The extent of the drug trade across the country can be gauged from the action on October 3. While the DRI recovered cocaine worth ₹79.5 crore from two women who arrived from Bangkok at Mumbai Airport, the Assam Rifles apprehended three individuals with heroin worth ₹46.92 lakh in Mizoram. Thus, a total of nearly ₹80 crore worth of drugs were seized.

According to sources, this DRI action was based on intelligence inputs. As soon as the flight landed at Mumbai Airport, the DRI’s Mumbai regional unit stopped both women and conducted a thorough inspection of their luggage. During the inspection, 22 brick-shaped packets were found inside the toy packets. When these were examined in detail, they were found to contain a white powder-like substance.

During the investigation, a kit for identifying narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (NDPS) was used. This confirmed that cocaine had been hidden. The total weight of this seized consignment was 7.95 kg. Its value in the international market is estimated at ₹79.5 crore. The DRI immediately seized the cocaine and arrested both female passengers.

Joint Operation by Assam Rifles and Police

The accused were then produced in court, which remanded them to judicial custody. A detailed investigation into the entire matter is ongoing, and efforts are being made to uncover their connections. On the same day, news also came of a major drug seizure in Mizoram. The Assam Rifles, in collaboration with Mizoram Police, conducted a raid in the Bazar Veng area of Lunglei district.

Three Arrested with Heroin in Mizoram

In this joint operation, three people, including a woman, were arrested. Heroin worth ₹46.92 lakh was recovered from them. The Assam Rifles stated that the raid was carried out based on secret information. During this operation, 62.56 grams of heroin were seized. The accused have been identified as B. Daniel (29), Ujhol Chakma (35), and Kajla Devi Chakma (26).

The Dark Trade of Narcotics from Airport to Border

All three are residents of the Bazar Veng area in Lunglei. The accused have been handed over to the state police for further legal proceedings. The operations at Mumbai Airport and in Mizoram on the same day reveal a major network of drug mafias. On one hand, there is an attempt to bring crores worth of cocaine into India, while on the other hand, heroin consumption is being observed in the Northeast.

Mumbai Airport

Mumbai Airport, officially known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), is the primary international airport serving the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. It began operations in 1942 as a Royal Air Force base during World War II before being converted for civilian use. Today, it is one of the busiest airports in India and a major aviation hub, featuring distinct domestic and international terminals.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is the primary international airport serving Mumbai, India. Originally known as Sahar International Airport, it was renamed in 1999 in honor of the 17th-century Maratha warrior king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The airport is renowned for its modern Terminal 2, which opened in 2014 and features a celebrated art program and design inspired by Indian peacocks.

Bangkok

Bangkok became the capital of Thailand (then Siam) in 1782, established by King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty. The city is renowned for its ornate temples and palaces, most famously the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, which reflect its deep-rooted history as a royal and spiritual center. Today, it is a vibrant, modern metropolis known for its bustling street life and cultural contrasts.

Mizoram

Mizoram is a mountainous state in northeastern India, known for its vibrant cultural traditions and scenic landscapes. Historically, it was part of Assam until becoming a union territory in 1972 and achieving full statehood in 1987. The Mizo people, with their distinct tribal heritage and Christian majority, have preserved rich traditions of music, dance, and community festivals like Chapchar Kut.

Assam Rifles

The Assam Rifles is India’s oldest paramilitary force, established in 1835 during the British colonial era to protect British tea estates and settlements in the northeastern region. Today, it plays a dual role in maintaining internal security and conducting border patrols along the Indo-Myanmar border, while also being heavily involved in civic action and disaster relief programs for local communities.

Bazar Veng

Bazar Veng is a historic market located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It was traditionally known as the “Vietnamese Market” and has long been a bustling hub for commerce, particularly for textiles, household goods, and street food. While its exact founding date is unclear, it has been a central part of the city’s commercial life for decades.

Lunglei district

Lunglei district is a scenic administrative region in the mountainous Indian state of Mizoram. Its name, meaning “bridge of rock,” is derived from a distinctive natural stone bridge that once existed near the town of Lunglei, which served as the historical capital of the South Lushai Hills. The district played a significant role during the British colonial era and in the Mizo nationalist movement.

Northeast

The Northeast region of the United States is a historically significant area that includes New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. It was the site of the original Thirteen Colonies and was a central hub for the American Revolution and the early Industrial Revolution. Today, it is known for its major metropolitan cities, dense population, and a rich blend of historical landmarks and diverse cultures.