Cocaine Worth Over Rs 4 Crore Hidden in Trolley Handle Seized at Ahmedabad Airport

A 56-year-old Ugandan national was arrested at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) allegedly recovered 981 grams of cocaine worth more than Rs 4 crore from his luggage, an official said on Friday.

According to the DRI, the passenger was intercepted by officers of its Ahmedabad Zonal Unit after they received specific intelligence regarding the movement of a suspected drug carrier.

The accused had arrived at Ahmedabad from Doha on Qatar Airways flight QR 534. During a detailed examination of his trolley bag, DRI officials found packets containing a white powdery substance concealed in parts of the luggage.

The substance had allegedly been cleverly hidden inside the telescopic handle and plastic support components of the trolley bag, making it difficult to detect during a routine inspection.

“Based on specific intelligence, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Ahmedabad Zonal Unit, intercepted the passenger on his arrival and thoroughly checked his bag,” the agency said in an official release.

The white powder recovered from the concealed compartments was subsequently tested and found to be cocaine, following which the contraband was seized by the authorities. The passenger was arrested under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The DRI is now conducting further investigation to establish the source of the cocaine, its intended destination and the possible involvement of other individuals in the suspected trafficking network.

Officials are also expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the passenger's journey from Doha to Ahmedabad and other available evidence as part of the investigation.

The seizure comes as enforcement agencies continue to monitor international routes and passenger movements for suspected attempts to smuggle narcotic substances into the country. Further details regarding the accused and the investigation are awaited.