The Indian Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested an Indian citizen on Sunday, August 20, for attempting to smuggle drugs into the Asian country.
According to reports, the suspect, aged 43 had arrived into the country from Nairobi through Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and attempted to sneak in approximately 3.07 kilograms of an Amphetamine-type substance, valued at around Ksh418.3 million (equivalent to Rs 24 crore) via Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Maharashtra in the Western part of India.
The arrest was carried out in collaboration with the local authorities, and the individual was taken into custody along with a Nigerian national who was also implicated in the case. Both suspects were questioned before being detained by the authorities.
“The passenger who arrived on Air Arabia Flight No. G9-415 from Sharjah had concealed the contraband in a hollow metal roller packed in a rectangular carton box kept in his personal baggage,” an official stated.
Officials also confiscated the drugs as investigations commenced to get to the bottom of how the drugs almost made their way into the country into the first place.
Acting on actionable intelligence, authorities swiftly apprehended the suspect and thwarted the plans to smuggle drugs into the country.
Based on the statements provided by the primary suspect, it was revealed that the Nigerian national had allegedly been assigned the task of receiving the illicit drugs following their successful passage through airport security checks.
"The DRI is committed to maintaining constant vigil to thwart these syndicates," the officials assured.
Authorities further revealed that they had concluded that the decision to target small airports to smuggle a sizeable amount of drugs was an indication that drug smugglers are adopting new methods to sneak in drugs.
India has strict laws on drug abuse and trafficking. According to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, of 1985, anyone found guilty of smuggling drugs twice could be handed the death penalty.
According to a study conducted by the United Nations, amphetamine-type substance has become common among the youth in Asian countries.
"Whoever indulges in the financing, directly or indirectly, shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than ten years but which may extend to twenty years and shall also be liable to fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to two lakh rupees," reads part of the Act.
