Customs officials seize ketamine worth Rs 13 lakh

Mumbai, Oct 23 (UNI) Customs officials of the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport here have seized Ketamine worth Rs 13 lakh from two passengers departing to Bangkok on Thai Airlines.

According to an AIU statement, the officials last week intercepted Shahul Hameed Mithar Maideen and Ganeshan Venkateshan after the duo had cleared the immigration and customs formalities. On checking their luggage, the officials found that they were carrying 43.870 kg of white powder 'Ketamine'. It was valued at Rs 13,16,100 in the domestic market and at Rs 43,87,000 in the international market.

On investigation, the duo revealed that they carried the undeclared powder for monetary consideration of Rs 10,000 for one Mr Shahul.

The duo have been arrested under the Provisions of Customs Act, 1962 read with Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Meanwhile, in another incident on Sunday, the AIU officials had recovered 365 Star Turtles from an abandoned black bag in the Terminal 2 C Departure Hall of the international airport.

The investigations revealed that a passenger, travelling to Singapore by Singapore Airlines flight, had abondoned the baggage near the screening machine and disappeared.

The Star Turtles were valued at Rs 3,65,000 in the local market and Rs 14,60,000 in the international market.

The turtles were later handed over to the Assistant Conservator of Forests and Wildlife warden, the release added.

UNI