The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has recovered over 4 kg of cocaine valued at around ₹40 crore from an Indian passenger arriving from Doha at Bengaluru airport. The man was intercepted by officers of the DRI’s Bengaluru Zonal Unit at Kempegowda International Airport in the early hours of July 18, as per Press Information Bureau.

Acting on specific intelligence, officials flagged the passenger’s baggage for a detailed check. During inspection, officials found two superhero comic magazines in his baggage that appeared unusually heavy. Upon closer examination, officers discovered white powder concealed within the covers of the magazines.

The substance tested positive for cocaine. A total of 4,006 grams of the drug was recovered and seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

“The passenger was subsequently arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985 and was remanded to judicial custody on 18.07.2025,” said PIB in a release.

Another major bust

In a separate operation, the DRI’s Mumbai Zonal Unit foiled a major smuggling attempt involving foreign-origin cigarettes at Nhava Sheva Port, according to PIB.

Based on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted a suspicious consignment and found a container holding 1,014 cartons of TOP GUN brand cigarettes, adding up to 1,01,40,000 sticks, with an estimated value of ₹13.18 crore.

The smugglers had falsely declared the shipment as “coated calcium carbonate” in an attempt to disguise the cargo as a genuine import. One person involved in the import was arrested and remanded to 14 days’ judicial custody.

The seizure violates both the Customs Act, 1962 and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Rules, 2008. Officials said the smuggling of such cigarettes not only causes significant revenue loss but also evades mandatory health warnings, exposing consumers to serious health risks.

“The DRI is committed to combat such smuggling and disrupt criminal syndicates causing harm to public health and safety,” said the release.