DRI seizes 1.9kg crystal meth from flyer at Kozhikode airport

Kochi: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Friday apprehended a Malappuram native passenger, who had arrived at Calicut International Airport from Muscat, Oman, with two packets of crystal methamphetamine. According to an official statement, the officers of DRI Cochin zonal unit's Calicut regional unit and Kannur regional unit acted on specific intelligence and intercepted the passenger. They recovered a total of two packets of crystal methamphetamine, weighing 1,974 grams. The narcotic substance, with an estimated value of approximately Rs 1.58 crore in the illicit international market, was found to have been concealed in the passenger's checked-in baggage in food packets. The passenger was subsequently arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act. Further investigation is underway to trace the source of narcotics and to identify the broader network involved in this smuggling operation, said the statement. On March 2, DRI had also seized 1.931 kg of crystal methamphetamine at Calicut International Airport from a Palakkad native. During the last financial year, DRI Cochin zonal unit seized narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including hydroponic weed, methamphetamine and cocaine, valued at Rs 70.76 crore in Kerala. Twenty one people have been arrested in connection with these seizures.