Drugs concealed in shampoo bottles recovered during inspection at Nagpur; probe into interstate smuggling network underway
Nagpur, April 14: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized cocaine worth ₹4.26 crore from a passenger aboard the Hazrat Nizamuddin–Bengaluru Rajdhani Express, officials said on Monday. A woman travelling on the train has been arrested in connection with the case.
Concealment in Shampoo Bottles
The seizure was made by the DRI’s Nagpur unit under the Mumbai Zone after officials grew suspicious of the passenger during transit. She was asked to deboard at Ajni railway station in Nagpur for a detailed examination.
During the search of her belongings, two shampoo bottles were found to be unusually heavy. Upon inspection, officials discovered 50 yellow capsules hidden inside the bottles.
Cocaine Worth ₹4.26 Crore Recovered
The capsules contained a white powder that, upon testing, was confirmed to be cocaine. Officials said the total quantity seized was 853 grams, with an estimated market value of ₹4.26 crore.
The drugs were confiscated, and the woman was taken into custody.
Legal Action and Investigation
A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which deals with offences related to illegal drug trafficking and possession.
The accused was produced before a court, which remanded her to magisterial custody.
Focus on Interstate Drug Network
Officials said further investigation is underway to trace the source and destination of the consignment and identify others involved in the interstate drug trafficking network.
Context: Drug Smuggling via Rail Routes
Rail routes are increasingly being monitored by enforcement agencies as traffickers attempt to move narcotics across states using passenger trains. Concealment methods often involve disguising drugs within everyday items to evade detection.
Public Impact
Such seizures highlight ongoing efforts by enforcement agencies to curb drug trafficking and prevent the circulation of narcotics. They also underscore the need for vigilance in public transport systems.
Conclusion
With the seizure of cocaine worth over ₹4 crore, authorities are expected to expand the investigation to dismantle the broader network behind the smuggling operation. (With inputs from H.S.)
Inputs & Images courtesy: Hindusthan Samachar (H.S.)
Edited by: Dikshita Bollu
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