Bengaluru, Jan 23: In a major operation, customs officials arrested a passenger who was trying to smuggle drugs from abroad at Kempegowda International Airport and seized 7.72 kg of cocaine worth Rs 38 crore.
A passenger who had arrived at Kempegowda International Airport from Sao Paulo, Brazil, was stopped and searched and found to be in possession of 7.72 kg of cocaine. The value of these is estimated to be Rs 38 crore, officials said.
Cocaine smuggled in books:
The accused was trying to smuggle drugs illegally by hiding cocaine between books so that no one would suspect. Customs officials in Bengaluru stopped a passenger on suspicion and found drugs stuck to the cardboard part of the books. The customs officials immediately took the accused into custody and arrested him under the NDPS Act and remanded him in judicial custody. The investigation is ongoing, officials said.
Hydroponic cannabis worth Rs 3.14 crore seized:
In another case, customs officials have arrested a passenger who was trying to smuggle drugs from abroad and seized 8.98 kg of hydroponic cannabis worth Rs 3.14 crore.
Customs officials stopped a passenger who had arrived at the Kempegowda International Airport from Bangkok on suspicion and seized 8.98 kg of hydroponic cannabis worth an estimated Rs 3.14 crore. Officials said action has been taken against the accused under the NDPS Act.