Bengaluru, July 19, 2025 — In a significant success against international drug smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) busted an ingenious narcotics concealment operation, seizing over 4 kilograms of cocaine from an Indian passenger at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. The illicit substance, valued at approximately ₹40 crore in the international market, was hidden in an unexpected medium — superhero comic books.
Suspicious Baggage Leads to Interception
The operation was carried out in the early hours of July 18, based on specific intelligence inputs received by the DRI Bengaluru Zonal Unit. An Indian male passenger arriving from Doha was flagged by customs officials. During a detailed examination of his luggage, two comic magazines were found to be unusually heavy and thick, raising suspicion among officers.
Drug Concealed in Comic Book Covers
Upon a closer inspection of the comic books, DRI officers discovered a concealed white powder-like substance embedded within the covers and spines of the magazines. The material was carefully extracted and subjected to field testing, which confirmed that the substance was cocaine.
In total, 4,006 grams (over 4 kg) of cocaine was recovered.
“The concealment technique was sophisticated and clearly intended to evade traditional screening processes,” a senior DRI officer stated.
Estimated Market Value and Legal Action
The seized cocaine is estimated to have a street value of around ₹40 crore in international markets. The passenger was taken into custody and formally arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
He was produced before a local court and has been remanded to judicial custody as investigations continue. Authorities are currently tracing possible links to larger international drug syndicates operating via Middle Eastern transit routes.
Innovative Smuggling Methods Raise Concern
This seizure highlights a growing trend in the use of creative and deceptive methods to smuggle narcotics. The use of everyday objects such as comic books shows the lengths to which traffickers are going to bypass airport security and customs scrutiny.
“The use of comic books as a concealment medium is a first-of-its-kind case for us,” added the official.
“It reflects a worrying evolution in smuggling tactics.”
Ongoing Investigation to Identify Drug Network
The DRI has launched a full-scale investigation into the network behind this trafficking attempt. Officials are exploring whether the passenger was acting alone or part of a wider drug syndicate based in India or abroad.
Surveillance footage, digital communication records, and flight manifests are being analysed to unearth any possible accomplices or handlers.
India’s Vigilant Stance on Narcotics
India has been ramping up efforts to combat drug trafficking through stricter enforcement, better intelligence sharing, and enhanced airport surveillance. This successful interception by the DRI underscores the vigilance and preparedness of Indian law enforcement in tackling narcotic smuggling at major international gateways.
The public is urged to stay aware and report any suspicious activity to the authorities as part of the national effort toward a drug-free and secure India.
Source: PIB
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