Nagpur: In one of the biggest drug seizures to date, Nagpur Customs officials successfully busted a significant case at Nagpur International Airport. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 2.937 kilograms of narcotic drugs, which holds an estimated street value of approximately Rs 8.81 crore.
This seizure underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the illegal drug trade, demonstrating their vigilance and commitment to maintaining security and public safety at key transit points like airports. The successful interception of such a substantial quantity of drugs reflects the dedication and efficiency of the customs officials in their relentless pursuit of curbing illicit activities and protecting society from the harmful effects of narcotics.
A 45-year-old resident of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, coming from Uganda via Doha by Qatar Airways flight QR-590 arrived in Nagpur Airport at 3 am on April 4, was intercepted by Customs Officials when he was walking through the green channel without declaring anything to Customs. However, the alert and vigilant officers of Customs at Nagpur Airport on passenger’s profiling noticed his abnormal behaviour and therefore he was thoroughly checked by the officers, in which suspicious items including one dummy propeller and two plate shaped disc were found in his baggage.
Later, when the dummy propeller and discs were cut open for checking, it was found that, white and yellow coloured powder substance was filled inside the propeller and discs. On testing with the drug detection kit, the white and yellow powder was found to be methaqualone. Immediately, the passenger was arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
The Customs Officers were acting upon the direction from the Commissioner of Customs, Sanjay Kumar and under the guidance of the Additional Commissioner, Peeyoush Bhati. The team of officers of Nagpur Customs was led by their Assistant Commissioner Charanjeet Singh and Anjum Tadvi. The team of Customs Officers involved in the case includes Superintendents Manish Pandharpurkar, Prakash Kapse, Anju Khobragade, Rajesh Khapre; Inspectors Aditya Bairwa, Vishal Bhopte, Abhijeet Naruka, Priyanka Meena, Krishna Kant Dhakar and Hawaldar Shailendra Yadav.
Further investigation is under progress by the officers of Nagpur Customs under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
The Nagpur Customs Commissioner SanjayKumar has also informed that Customs Officers are very attentive and vigilant and with their efforts. Nagpur Customs have foiled a number of attempts of gold smuggling and confiscated 12 kgs of gold valued Rs 8 crore (approx.) and 6 accused involved in gold smuggling were also arrested during the last financial year 2023-24. This is with the continuation of their drive against smuggling, wherein in recent past nine cases of attempt of gold smuggling was booked by Nagpur Customs.