Mumbai: Customs Department at CSMIA intercepts Brazilian national attempting to smuggle ₹16.49 crore worth of cocaine | File Photo
Mumbai: A 24-year-old Brazilian national was apprehended on Saturday at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) by the Customs Department for attempting to smuggle 1.649 kilograms of suspected cocaine, estimated at Rs 16.49 crore.
The passenger identified as Fernando Jeronimo Santos Da Silv, arriving from Sao Paulo(Brazil) via Paris, was intercepted by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) on January 27-28 during a routine profiling operation based on intelligence inputs.
Customs officers discovered the cocaine concealed within the body cavity and ingested in 170 capsules after a thorough physical examination. Medical tests later confirmed the substance to be cocaine. The total value of the seized drugs stands at Rs 16.49 crore.
Mumbai: Customs Department at CSMIA intercepts Brazilian national attempting to smuggle ₹16.49 crore worth of cocaine | File Photo
The investigation, which spanned five days, began on the night of January 27. The AIU team successfully identified and seized the drugs, leading to the arrest of the individual, who has been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
This successful intervention by the Customs Department has prevented a significant drug trafficking attempt into the country. Ongoing investigations aim to uncover the larger network behind the smuggling operation and identify the ultimate beneficiary of the consignment.
