DRI Foils ₹47 Crore Cocaine Smuggling Attempt at Mumbai Airport, Arrests Five Linked to International Drug Syndicate

Mumbai | November 1, 2025 In a major crackdown on international narcotics trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized a cocaine consignment worth approximately ₹47 crore at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The agency intercepted a female passenger arriving from Colombo and uncovered 4.7 kilograms of high-grade cocaine concealed inside coffee packets. According to DRI officials, the operation was based on specific intelligence inputs that pointed to a possible smuggling attempt through an international courier route. Acting swiftly, the officers detained the suspect upon her arrival and subjected her baggage to a detailed examination. The search led to the discovery of nine neatly packed pouches of cocaine hidden within coffee packaging, a technique often used to mask the scent of narcotics and evade airport detection systems. Preliminary testing confirmed that the recovered substance was cocaine of high purity, with an estimated street value of around ₹47 crore. Following the initial seizure, DRI launched an extensive follow-up operation to identify and apprehend others associated with the smuggling network. The coordinated action resulted in the arrest of four additional individuals believed to be part of the syndicate’s broader network. Among them was one person who had arrived at the airport to receive the consignment and three others allegedly involved in the logistics, financing, and planned distribution of the narcotics. All five accused have been taken into custody and booked under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. They are currently undergoing interrogation as investigators work to uncover the full extent of the trafficking operation and trace its international links. Authorities suspect that the cocaine consignment was part of a larger network operating across multiple countries, using Mumbai as a key transit point for distribution within India. The DRI, in its statement, highlighted a concerning rise in the use of female couriers for cross-border smuggling and noted a growing trend of narcotics being concealed within food and household items to avoid detection by security systems. Officials emphasized that such tactics indicate the increasing sophistication of international drug cartels attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in airport screening and customs inspection processes. The agency reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to dismantle organized drug syndicates and align its operations with the government’s “Nasha Mukt Bharat” (Drug-Free India) campaign. The DRI stated that its teams remain vigilant in monitoring air and sea cargo routes, postal shipments, and passenger traffic to prevent narcotics from entering Indian territory. “This seizure not only underscores our commitment to national security but also sends a strong message to those attempting to use India as a hub for drug smuggling,” said a senior DRI official. “Every successful interception protects countless lives and contributes to our mission of keeping the nation’s youth safe from the menace of drugs.” Investigations are continuing to trace the source of the contraband, identify the international handlers, and uncover the financial channels used to fund the smuggling operation. DRI Seizes ₹47 Crore Cocaine Haul at Mumbai Airport, Five Arrested The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 4.7 kg of cocaine worth ₹47 crore from a woman arriving from Colombo at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The drugs were concealed inside coffee packets. Acting swiftly, DRI arrested four others linked to the international syndicate, including individuals handling logistics and financing. All five were booked under the NDPS Act. Officials noted a rising trend of traffickers using women couriers and food items to hide drugs. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to the “Nasha Mukt Bharat” mission to combat narcotics smuggling and safeguard India’s youth.