Drugs worth Rs 40 lakh hidden in belts, trophies seized at airport

Based on intelligence input, Customs officials intercepted two parcels which were destined to Australia at the courier terminal on suspicion that they contained narcotic substances. The first parcel contained eight lumbosacral belts, but was found to be unusually heavy. On cutting the belts, officials found three plastic pouches containing white crystalline powder concealed inside each of them. Around 2 kg of white crystalline powder was recovered from 24 plastic pouches.

The second parcel contained two trophies. When the wooden bases of trophies were opened, the officials found plastic pouches containing one kg of white crystalline powder concealed inside each of them. In total, nearly four kg of the powder was seized. Later, test reports confirmed that the white crystalline powder was pseudoephedrine, a sought-after chemical precursor in the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine. The substance seized from the parcels, valued at Rs 40 lakh, was seized under the NDPS Act, 1985. Searches were carried out and one person was arrested in this connection, said officials, adding that further investigations were on.