6.8 Crore Heroin Found in Soap Boxes at Airport, Passenger Arrested
A major drug smuggling case unfolded at Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, where customs officials seized 6.8 kg of suspected heroin hidden in soap packets.
At the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, authorities uncovered a significant drug smuggling operation with the seizure of 6.8 kilograms of heroin, valued at approximately 6.8 crore rupees. The drug was cleverly concealed within packets that were labeled as natural and herbal soap. The arrest was made by a joint effort of the Air Intelligence Unit and the Customs Department, highlighting ongoing issues with narcotics trafficking in the region.
The accused passenger, Kutub Sihaabuddin Abbas Ali, who hails from Chennai, arrived in Ahmedabad on an AirAsia flight from Kuala Lumpur. Upon arriving at the airport's international terminal, his movements raised suspicions during profiling checks. Initially, he attempted to use the green channel, which is meant for passengers with no prohibited items, but was stopped by customs officials due to odd behaviors that warranted further investigation.
After a thorough x-ray examination of his baggage, officials suspected the presence of illegal substances. A meticulous search revealed 29 packets that had the appearance of natural and herbal soap, which upon close inspection contained the illicit substance. This incident underscores the persistent challenges of drug trafficking in India, particularly at major transportation hubs, and raises concerns about security measures in place to detect such smuggling operations.