The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the Customs Service seized 2 kilograms of cocaine, estimated at ₹2 crore in the international market, from a passenger arriving from Singapore at Chennai International Airport. The interception occurred on September 28 following a specific intelligence tip-off, highlighting the vigilance of customs officials amid rising narcotics smuggling attempts through major Indian gateways.

The passenger, whose identity remains undisclosed, was detained immediately, and investigations are underway to uncover potential links to larger syndicates. This seizure underscores the ongoing challenges in curbing drug trafficking routes from Southeast Asia, where Singapore serves as a frequent transit hub for contraband destined for India and beyond.

Authorities revealed that the cocaine was ingeniously concealed within a food item packed in one of the suspect's checked baggages, evading initial scans until a targeted inspection. Such concealment tactics, often involving everyday consumables like spices, snacks, or dry fruits, are increasingly common among smugglers exploiting the high volume of air travel.

The AIU, a specialised wing under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), routinely profiles high-risk flights and passengers using risk assessment tools, including data from international narcotics control agencies like the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). In the past year, Chennai airport has emerged as a hotspot for seizures, with over 50 kg of cocaine intercepted since 2024, often tied to Latin American cartels rerouting via Asian ports to evade direct scrutiny.

The detained individual, believed to be a transit traveller, faces charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, which prescribes stringent penalties, including up to 20 years' rigorous imprisonment for commercial quantities like the 2 kg haul. Customs officials have initiated forensic analysis of the substance to confirm purity and origin, potentially tracing it back to production centres in Colombia or Peru. Interrogations aim to dismantle any domestic distribution networks, with collaboration from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and local police. No prior criminal record has been linked to the passenger yet, but sources indicate possible involvement in a broader operation based on behavioural profiling during arrival.

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This incident adds to India's robust anti-smuggling efforts, where airport seizures have surged 30% year-on-year, driven by enhanced surveillance technologies like AI-powered scanners and canine units. As global drug trade evolves with synthetic variants and crypto-funded logistics, such busts serve as deterrents while exposing vulnerabilities in porous borders.

The Chennai operation reaffirms the commitment to a drug-free India, aligning with national campaigns like Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, though experts call for stronger international cooperation to stem the flow at the source. Further updates are expected as probes deepen, potentially leading to more arrests in the coming days.

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