Based on information that narcotics drugs are likely to be smuggled into India, a high alert was maintained at the Airport. Two young African lady passengers who arrived by Qatar Airways flight 528 from Johannesburg via Doha were intercepted at exit on suspicion of carrying narcotics. It was noticed that one passenger was using a wheelchair but otherwise appeared to be physically fit. This raised suspicion in the mind of alert Customs officers.
On being questioned about her health she became nervous and gave evasive replies. On further questioning it was noticed that they were carrying one stroller bag each as their check in bags and on examination and it was found that there were false bottoms in which plastic packets were concealed. The packets were sprinkled with some spicy powder to camouflage the smell. Total eight packets, four from each stroller bag were recovered and on a cut opening white coarse powder was found inside. The powder tested positive for heroin with a drug testing kit. Total 9.87 kg of white coarse powder suspected to be Heroin approximately valued at Rs. 70 crores in International market, was recovered and seized under NDPS Act 1985, read with Customs Act.
On questioning, it was learnt that one lady passenger from Zimbabwe was travelling to India for medical treatment at a private Super Speciality Hospital in Delhi, along with her attendant, a resident of Cape town South Africa, on a visa granted on the basis of communication from the Hospital. Because of COVID-19 scare in Delhi they landed in Chennai. Both have been arrested under NDPS Act.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
