Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seizes smuggled cocaine

worth over ₹502 crore

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) through a

statement issued today, 8th October 2022, has stated that it
has seized cocaine worth over ₹502 crore which was being
imported from South Africa.

Based on specific intelligence developed by DRI Mumbai

Zonal Unit, a container carrying pears and green apples,
being imported from South Africa, was intercepted at Nhava
Sheva port on 6th Oct 2022. Upon examination, it was
revealed that a large number of bricks made up of high-
quality cocaine and weighing approximately 1 kg each, were
concealed inside the boxes of green apples. Total 50 such
bricks weighing 50.23 kg and valued at Rs 502 crore in illicit
market were recovered during the examination.
This cocaine was getting imported in the name of same
importer who was earlier arrested by DRI in a case in Vashi
involving seizure of 198 kg meth and 9 Kg cocaine from a
consignment of oranges originating from South Africa. This is
one of the largest seizures of cocaine attempted to be
smuggled through sea containers in recent past.
The importer has been arrested under the provisions of NDPS
Act, 1985. This is a part of series of large drugs seizures made
by DRI, Mumbai Zonal Unit ranging from 198 kg of
methamphetamine and 9kg cocaine to 16 Kg heroine in last
10 days.

Source : DRI