In a major anti-narcotics operation, officers of Indian Customs intercepted a passenger at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport and seized 25.25 kilograms of suspected MDMA tablets concealed inside soft toys. The estimated market value of the narcotics is approximately ₹50 crore.
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Passenger Intercepted on Arrival from Cambodia
The seizure was made during the night of May 6–7, 2026, when a passenger arriving from Cambodia via Kuala Lumpuron Malaysia Airlines Flight MH-118 was intercepted at Amritsar airport.
The interception was carried out based on profiling through the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), which is used by customs authorities to identify high-risk travelers.
MDMA Tablets Hidden Inside Four Soft Toys
Following the passenger’s interception, customs officers conducted a detailed examination of the baggage, including X-ray scanning. During the search, officials discovered tablets suspected to be MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) concealed inside four soft toys.
The total quantity recovered was 25.25 kilograms.
A field test was conducted on representative samples, which returned a positive result for MDMA, a synthetic psychotropic substance commonly associated with illicit drug trafficking.
Seizure Valued at ₹25.25 Crore; Street Value Estimated at ₹50 Crore
According to customs officials, the seized contraband has an assessed value of ₹25.25 crore. However, based on prevailing illegal market rates, the street value of the narcotics is estimated to be around ₹50 crore.
The seizure is considered one of the significant drug busts reported at Amritsar airport in recent months.
Passenger Arrested Under NDPS Act
The passenger has been arrested under the provisions of the Narcotics Control Bureau-enforced Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
The recovered narcotic substances have been formally seized, and further investigation is underway to determine the source, intended destination, and possible links to international drug trafficking networks.
Customs Intensifies Vigil at International Airports
The successful interception highlights the continued efforts of Indian Customs to curb cross-border smuggling of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Authorities are increasingly relying on data analytics and passenger profiling tools such as APIS to detect suspicious travel patterns.
Officials stated that the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests may follow based on the evidence gathered during the probe.
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