In a major breakthrough against narcotics smuggling, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Delhi Customs at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport seized 5,469.5 grams of suspected cocaine hidden in a consignment of chocolate boxes. The operation, carried out at Terminal 3, led to the arrest of an Indian passenger who had arrived from Doha on IndiGo flight 6E-1346.
Details of the Operation
The passenger, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was intercepted at the Green Channel based on suspicious behavior. Upon directing him for a detailed X-ray screening and baggage check, customs officers discovered a green hand-carry bag that aroused further suspicion.
Upon examination, officers found eight golden-colored Ferrero Rocher chocolate boxes inside the bag. A closer inspection of these boxes revealed a white powdery substance concealed within the packaging. Preliminary testing of the substance indicated it to be cocaine, weighing a total of 5.469 kilograms (net weight).
Market Value and Concealment Technique
The seized narcotic is estimated to have a market value of approximately ₹82.04 crore. The use of famous chocolate brands as concealment demonstrates a growing trend of traffickers using everyday consumer goods to mask illegal substances in hopes of evading detection.
The modus operandi reflects a sophisticated attempt to disguise narcotics within otherwise benign-looking items — a tactic that has been increasingly observed in international trafficking routes.
Legal Action Under NDPS Act
Following the discovery, authorities booked the passenger under multiple sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985:
- Section 8: Prohibition on the production, manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transport, warehousing, use, consumption, import inter-State, export inter-State, import into India, export from India or transshipment of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
- Section 20: Relating to the production, manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transport, and inter-state trafficking of cannabis and other banned substances.
- Section 23: Illicit import/export and transshipment.
- Section 29: Abetment and criminal conspiracy in narcotics crimes.
The passenger was formally arrested under Section 43(B) of the NDPS Act at 7:30 PM on August 6, 2025, and the contraband, along with the concealment materials, was seized under Section 43(A).
Investigations Underway
The customs department has launched a detailed investigation into the case, with efforts focused on determining:
- The source and intended recipients of the narcotics
- Potential involvement of international trafficking syndicates
- Whether the accused was a drug mule or part of a broader smuggling operation
Authorities are also examining CCTV footage, passenger history, and possible digital communication records to map out the smuggling chain.
Growing Challenge for Indian Airports
This seizure adds to the increasing number of drug-related busts reported at Indian international airports, particularly involving flights from the Middle East and South America, which are known trafficking corridors.
The concealment within branded chocolates marks a shift in smuggling tactics, compelling customs departments to adopt AI-backed screening, behavioral analysis, and randomized inspections at a greater scale.
Official Statement
An official from the customs department stated:
“The vigilance of AIU officers and their use of advanced profiling led to the unearthing of this smuggling attempt. The passenger attempted to sneak in a high-value narcotic using chocolates as a front, but our officers were alert and swift in their action. We are committed to preventing India from being used as a transit or destination for narcotics.”
Case Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Seizure | August 6, 2025 |
| Flight Details | IndiGo 6E-1346 from Doha |
| Passenger Nationality | Indian |
| Location | Terminal 3, IGI Airport, New Delhi |
| Substance Seized | 5,469.5 grams of suspected cocaine |
| Concealment Method | Ferrero Rocher chocolate boxes |
| Estimated Market Value | ₹82.04 crore |
| NDPS Sections Invoked | Sections 8, 20, 23, 29, 43(A), and 43(B) |
| Current Status | Passenger arrested, investigation ongoing |
Conclusion
This high-profile seizure reiterates the importance of vigilance at international entry points and highlights the evolving tactics of drug traffickers. As investigations continue, authorities hope to dismantle the larger network behind this trafficking attempt, ensuring stricter deterrents and tighter surveillance in future.
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