DRI Seizes Cocaine Worth ₹40 Crore at Bengaluru Airport; Passenger Arrested

Bengaluru- In a major crackdown on international drug trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized over 4 kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately ₹40 crore, from a passenger arriving at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. The operation was conducted in the early hours of July 18, 2025, based on specific intelligence inputs.

Officers from the DRI Bengaluru Zonal Unit intercepted an Indian male passenger who had landed from Doha. During a detailed inspection of his baggage, officials noticed that two superhero comic books in his possession appeared unusually heavy. Upon further examination, white powder was discovered concealed within the covers of the magazines.

Subsequent field testing confirmed the substance as cocaine. The total quantity recovered weighed 4,006 grams (over 4 kg). The narcotics were seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

The passenger was immediately placed under arrest in accordance with the NDPS Act and was produced before a magistrate. He was remanded to judicial custody on the same day.

The DRI continues to play a critical role in India’s fight against drug smuggling and organized narcotics networks. This seizure highlights the increasing sophistication of concealment methods used by drug traffickers, as well as the vigilance and expertise of enforcement agencies in countering such threats.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the smuggling attempt is linked to a larger international syndicate. Further investigations are underway.

This incident underscores the need for constant surveillance at international airports and the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling narcotics trafficking across borders.