Customs officials arrest drug smuggler through dummy delivery of parcels

Mumbai: On the basis of intelligence that a courier package originating from America was carrying narcotics drugs, watch was kept by the officers of Airport Special Cargo Commissionerate at the International Courier terminal. The package was intercepted and 910 grams of Marijuana originating in California was found concealed in an Air Purifier.

Following the interception of first package, intelligence was developed and also with the help data analytics, Indian Customs at International Courier Terminal of CSMI Airport in Mumbai intercepted three more parcels originating from North America during 22nd to 25th April. Intensive search of the parcels led to recovery of high quality hydroponics marijuana weighing 27.478 kilograms which was hidden in various household items like Outdoor Waterfall, Fake wood Leather Chair, and Propane Gas Fire Pit table. Such high quality marijuana of North American origin commands high price in excess of Rs.3000 per gram in the local illicit markets. The seized narcotics could collectively command price in excess of Rs 8 crore in local illicit markets.

Talking to Bizz Buzz on condition of anonymity, an official of the department said, "The details of these detections and seizures were kept secret and surveillance was mounted by Customs officers disguised as auto rickshaw drivers and delivery men. The process of 'controlled delivery' of dummy parcels of identical shapes and looks, so that the actual recipient could not deny his involvement, was also undertaken with the help of Police. Sustained surveillance of targeted addresses was carried out by undercover Customs officers in the guise of auto drivers and delivery men so as to execute the operation in meticulous and flawless manner.

During the dummy delivery, in one of the cases it was found that the person receiving the parcel was sending it to another address, where the residents would call another person to collect the package. The third person who came to collect the package was found to be the mastermind of the operation. During the course of search at his residence, another 20 kilograms of marijuana, 120 grams of hashish and some other narcotics substances which are being tested have been found. Three persons have been arrested so far. Further investigations are in progress.