In a significant anti-drug operation, DRI Bengaluru intercepted a passenger arriving from Doha and seized over 4 kg of cocaine cleverly concealed within comic books.
Highlights:
- Passenger arrived from Doha to Bengaluru International Airport on 18 July 2025.
- DRI officers grew suspicious of unusually heavy superhero comics.
- 4,006 grams of cocaine found concealed in the magazine covers.
- Seized narcotics valued at ₹40 crore in the international market.
- Passenger arrested and remanded to judicial custody under NDPS Act.
In a meticulously executed operation, officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Bengaluru Zonal Unit, apprehended an Indian male passenger at Bengaluru International Airport in the early hours of July 18, 2025. The individual had arrived from Doha and was intercepted based on specific intelligence input.
Upon a detailed inspection of his baggage, officers noticed two superhero comic books that were abnormally heavy. Further investigation revealed a cleverly concealed white powder hidden within the covers of the magazines. Subsequent testing confirmed the substance to be cocaine.
The total quantity of cocaine recovered was 4,006 grams (over 4 kg), carrying an estimated international market value of around ₹40 crore. The narcotics were seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Following the seizure, the passenger was arrested and presented before the competent court, which remanded him to judicial custody on the same day. This operation highlights the vigilance of DRI officers in combating sophisticated smuggling techniques and their continued efforts in curbing the illegal drug trade.
