Despite global pandemic smugglers are trying to bring narcotic substances through various means. But Indian customs have also increased its vigil and activated various networks to curb the illegal smuggling activities.
In a latest development Chennai Air Customs detained two postal parcels suspected to contain narcotics substance. These parcels arrived from Belgium and Netherlands at Foreign Post Office in Chennai.
On suspicion first parcel was taken up for examination which arrived Belgium. It contained artificial leopard fabric and other items. On unwrapping the fabric, nine black pouches were found inside. On cut opening the pouches orange colour Ecstasy (MDMA) pills with marking “Red Buli” and “Heineke” were found concealed inside.
There were total 4060 ecstasy pills were found in the parcel which were recovered and seized. As per market rate it valued at Rs. 1.2 crore.
The parcel was addressed to a person in a village in Kancheepuram District. As a follow up action search was carried out at the consignee address which was found to be fake.
Similarly second parcel from Netherland found to contain Inflatable pool, snack and gummy bear packets etc. On cut opening these packets skull shaped ecstasy pills with marking “MYBRAND” were found concealed inside. Further two pouches containing MDMA crystals and Methaqualone powder were also found concealed.
There were total 1150 ecstasy pills, 100 grams of MDMA crystals and 1 gram of Methaqualone powder were recovered and seized. which was valued at Rs. 45 lakhs. Both parcels were seized under the NDPS Act, 1985.
In totality 5210 ecstasy pills, 100 grams of MDMA crystals and 1 gram of Methaqualone valued at Rs 1.65 crore were recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985. Further investigation is in progress.
One of the senior custom officer on the condition of anonymity said “The smugglers must be thinking that customs officials are sitting idle due to pandemic, so they can bring banned items in the country. In reality we are on high alert and activated all our network to curb the crime before hand. All the officials including seniors are on extra vigil and keeping close watch. Due to high alert we could seize such a large consignments before it could enter in the country. Chennai Air Customs are on very high alert and living no stone unturned to curb the smuggling”.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
