CBI Detains Shipping Container Suspected To Have Narcotic Drugs

As part of its Operation Garuda against illicit drug trafficking networks, the CBI today detained a shipping container suspected to have narcotics drugs mixed with around 25,000 kg of inactive dried yeast.

The entire consignment was seized and a case was registered.

The CBI, acting on an input received through Interpol and with the assistance of the customs department officials in Vishakapatnam, detained the shipping container at the Visakhapatnam port.

The container was booked from Santos Port, Brazil, for delivery at Visakhapatnam in the name of Consignee, which is a Visakhapatnam-based private company.

The shipper had declared that the aforesaid container contained 1,000 bags of inactive dried yeast of 25 kg each totalling 25,000 kg. However, on preliminary examination through narcotics substances detection mechanisms, it appeared that the material shipped contained narcotic drugs mixed with the yeast.

The preliminary investigation indicated the involvement of an international criminal network engaged in importing narcotics drugs by mixing them with other substances, commonly known as cutting agents.

In the past, too, on the basis of Interpol inputs, the CBI had conducted operations and registered offences under the NDPS Act as part of its efforts to fight the drug menace.