Women passenger held, Ketamine Hydrochloride seized

Chennai, Jul 17 (UNI) A woman air passenger was arrested at the airport here this morning after she was found carrying three kg of ketamine hydrochloride worth Rs 30 lakh in her hand baggage Sources said Customs Officials searched Ms Parveen Ismail's hand baggage on suspicion when she was about to board an Indian Airlines Flight to Kuala Lumpur.

They found three tins of milk powder in the bag. When questioned, Ms Ismail, a native of Thennur near Tiruchriapalli District of Tamil Nadu, said the milk powder was meant for her relative's newborn in Malaysia.

Since the brand was not available there, she had purchased it here.

Not satisfied with the explanation, officials prised open the tins only to find the ketamine hydrochloride.She was immediately arrested.

UNI XR GM SB VC1055