For First Time In India, 'Black Cocaine' Seized At Ahmedabad Airport

Busting a unique modus operandi, officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) have foiled the attempt to smuggle 3.22 kg of "black cocaine" into India at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport in Ahmedabad yesterday. The price of the contraband seized is estimated to be more than Rs 32 crore in the black market.

Black cocaine is a designer drug wherein cocaine is mixed with charcoal and other chemicals to give it black rubbery appearance to camouflage and to evade detection by canines and field-testing kit. This modus operandi to smuggle cocaine is unique and this is the first instance of seizure of black cocaine in the country.

Intelligence gathered revealed that a Brazilian national, who was travelling from Sau Paulo airport to Ahmedabad international airport, would attempt to smuggle the rare substance into India. The DRI officials intercepted him at the airport. The Brazilian national was travelling on a tourist visa. Extensive examination of the passenger, his trolley and cabin bags was carried out, but it did not reveal any concealment.

However, the DRI officials observed that the base area and walls of the said two bags had an unusually thick rubbery material which was very brittle in nature and was turning granular on applying pressure. The material was examined by a team of Forensic Science lab officers with specialized field-testing kit which showed presence of cocaine.

After the DRI officials seized 3.22 kg of the substance from him, the passenger relented and accepted his active role in smuggling of cocaine. He was later arrested under provisions of NDPS Act. Further investigation is in progress, according an official press release.

While black cocaine is not new, it is quite rare in India. Amongst narcotics, cocaine is one of the most expensive ones and is primarily used by the upper classes of society. Generally, Mumbai is one of the landing points from where it is then sent to other parts of the country, especially to Goa and metro cities. South American countries, where coca plants grow, are the major suppliers of cocaine to India, according to journalsofindia.com portal.