The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Mumbai zone officials have arrested a foreign national for allegedly smuggling in 1.108 kg cocaine, worth Rs 11 crore by concealing them in his body. DRI sleuths had recently received specific intelligence regarding the foreigner who was travelling to India with the intention of smuggling in drugs. On Thursday, DRI Mumbai officials intercepted the Sierra Leone national at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai. During questioning, the passenger admitted to having ingested capsules containing drugs and carrying them in his body for smuggling into India, said DRI. Officials admitted the foreigner suspect to Sir JJ Hospital after duly securing permission of the court concerned. At the hospital he ejected 74 oval shaped capsules that were stuffed with 1,108 grams of cocaine valued at Rs 11 crore. The suspect was discharged from the hospital on Saturday. DRI seized the drugs and arrested the accused under sections of Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, officials said. Efforts are underway to nab his associates. DRI officials are also investigating if he had smuggled drugs in a similar manner in the past. As per government norms 100 gm cocaine is deemed a commercial quantity, and the foreigner was smuggling it knowing it is a banned drug. If convicted, the accused may face imprisonment upto 20 years.
