DRI seizes opium in Ludhiana, arrests two for trafficking via International courier channels
French authorities seize shipped contraband after liaison
Acting on specific intelligence, officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Ludhiana Zonal Unit, conducted a search operation at a residence in Ludhiana which was being used for concealment and packing of narcotic substances intended for export through courier channels.
During the search, 11 packets containing 1.64 kg of opium, having an approximate illicit market value of Rs 8.2 lakh, were recovered. The contraband was found concealed inside food items, including noodle packets and syrup bottles, under the guise of household articles meant for overseas shipment.
Follow-up action was also carried out at the premises of a courier service provider in Ludhiana, where a parcel booked for dispatch was intercepted and examined. The examination resulted in recovery of 14 packets containing 2.698 kg of opium, having an approximate illicit market value of Rs 13.49 lakh. The contraband was found concealed inside cardboard layers, kitchen utensils and food packets.
In total, 25 packets containing 4.338 kg of opium, valued at approximately Rs 21.69 lakh, were seized under the NDPS Act, 1985. Further, liaison was established with the authorities concerned and three consignments carrying approximately 3 kg of narcotic substances, enroute to the USA and Canada, were intercepted by authorities in France. The incident highlights the use of courier channels for attempted export of narcotic substances through concealment in household and food items.
