DRI seizes crystal meth from flyer at Kozhikode airport

Kochi: The directorate of revenue intelligence (DRI) recovered crystal methamphetamine from a passenger who arrived at Calicut International Airport from Muscat on Monday. Acting on specific intelligence, officers of the Calicut regional unit of DRI, Cochin Zonal Unit, intercepted the passenger, a native of Palakkad, and recovered two packets containing crystal methamphetamine, weighing a total of 1,931g. The seized narcotic substance, valued at approximately Rs 3.86 crore in the illicit international market, was ingeniously concealed inside food packets placed in the passenger's checked-in baggage. The passenger was arrested under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Further investigation is in progress to ascertain the source of the narcotics and to identify other individuals and networks involved in this smuggling operation, said an official statement. In this 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. In connection with these seizures, 21 individuals were arrested. These sustained enforcement efforts underscore DRI's continued commitment to the govt's vision of a ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat' (drug free India), said the statement.