New Delhi, May 26 (Agency) The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recovered 52 kg cocaine, estimated to be valued at over Rs 500 crore in the international illicit market, from an import consignment, which was being imported from Iran. In order to interdict the narcotic drugs, “Operation Namkeen” was launched by DRI and a consignment, declared to contain 1,000 bags of common salt having gross weight of 25 MT, which had been imported at Mundra port from Iran, was identified for detailed examination, the Ministry of Finance, said in a statement here.
Acting on intelligence, the consignment was examined for three continuous days – from May 24 to 26. During examination, some bags were found to be suspicious, as a substance in powder form having a distinct smell was found in these bags. Samples were drawn from those suspected bags and testing was conducted by officials of the Directorate of Forensic Sciences, Gujarat government, it added. The testing confirmed the presence of cocaine in these samples. Thus far, 52 kg cocaine was recovered by DRI. Examination and seizure proceedings under the provisions of NDPS Act, 1985 was in progress. Roles of various persons involved in the import consignment were also being investigated by DRI, said the statement.