Drug destined for Aus in masala packets seized

Based on a tip-off, the officials intercepted a parcel at the air courier terminal that was destined to Auburn, New South Wales, on Saturday. The carton contained branded masala powders of 50 g and 100 g packets. However, closer inspection revealed that some of the packets were tampered, with plastic pouches – 37 in all – containing three kg pseudoephedrine concealed inside. The drug, worth Rs 30 lakh, was seized.

During investigation, officials found that one Sathik (37) from Chennai was the mastermind. He took an order for 3 kg pseudoephedrine from a buyer in Australia. He bought it from a dealer in Bengaluru and supplied it to his partner in Thanjavur, asking him to conceal and send it to Australia.

His partner took the help of Khan (30) of Chennai to conceal the narcotic inside the packets. Then Antony (41) of Pudukkottai collected the parcel from him and arranged it to be send it through a courier company in city. The parcel was in the name of his friend, Selvam from Theni, by misusing his Aadhaar card. All four were arrested on Tuesday under the NDPS Act.