New Delhi: The Customs Officers at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, New Delhi, have successfully intercepted and booked a case of smuggling against a Tanzanian national who arrived at Terminal-3 of IGI Airport on August 1, 2024. The individual, referred to as the Pax, had traveled on a complex route from Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania (Flight No. ET 826, July 30, 2024), to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and subsequently to Doha, Qatar (Flight No. OR 1428, August 1, 2024), before finally landing in New Delhi (Flight No. 6E 1308, August 1, 2024).

Upon disembarkation, the Pax was taken by Customs officers to the Office of Preventive Customs at the International Arrival Hall of Terminal 3 for further questioning. During the investigation, the Pax disclosed that he had ingested capsules containing narcotics or psychotropic substances. He was immediately transferred to Safdarjung Hospital for necessary medical procedures.

Over the course of his stay at the hospital, the Pax expelled 63 capsules. When opened, these capsules were found to contain white powder granules, suspected to be narcotics. Subsequent testing confirmed the substance as cocaine, weighing approximately 998 grams, with an estimated street value of ₹14.97 crores (Rupees Fourteen Crore Ninety-Seven Lakhs).

In light of the evidence, it was determined that the Pax had violated the provisions of Section 8 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and had committed offenses punishable under Sections 21, 23, and 29 of the NDPS Act. As a result, the individual was formally placed under arrest on August 11, 2024, under Section 43(b) of the NDPS Act, 1985. The cocaine, along with the material used for concealment, was seized under Section 43(a) of the NDPS Act, 1985. /BI