DRI seizes 52 kgs of Cocaine under 'Operation Namkeen'

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has recently recovered 52 kg of cocaine estimated to be valued at over Rs 500 crores in the international illicit market as a part of 'Operation Namkeen' from an import consignment. Based on extensive data analysis and field surveillance, intelligence was developed by DRI that certain consignments being imported from Iran were likely to contain narcotic drugs. In order to interdict the narcotic drugs, “Operation Namkeen” was launched by DRI and a consignment was declared to contain 1000 bags of common salt having a gross weight of 25 MT, which had been imported at Mundra port from Iran, was identified for detailed examination.  

Acting on the above intelligence, the said consignment was examined for three continuous days from May 26 to May 26.

During the examination, some bags were found to be suspicious, as a substance in powder form having a distinct smell was found in these bags. Samples were drawn from those suspected bags and testing was conducted by officials of the Directorate of Forensic Sciences, Govt of Gujarat, who reported the presence of cocaine in these samples. Thus far, 52 kg of Cocaine has been recovered by DRI.

Examination and seizure proceedings under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985 are in progress. The roles of various persons involved in the said import consignment are also being investigated by DRI.

In the fiscal year 2021-22, during its operations across the country, DRI had seized 321 kg of cocaine, which is valued at over Rs. 3200 crores in the international illicit market. In the last month, DRI has booked some significant cases, including recoveries of 205 kg of heroin from a commercial import consignment of gypsum powder at the Kandla port, 395 kg of thread-laced with heroin at Pipavav port, 62 kg of heroin at Air Cargo Complex, IGI New Delhi and 218 kg of heroin off the coast of Lakshadweep Islands (in a joint operation with Indian Coast Guard). In addition, 61.5 kg of gold has been seized from Air Cargo Complex, IGI New Delhi in a novel modus operand involving concealment of high purity gold in triangle valves of metal taps.