In a recent enforcement operation conducted by Mumbai’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), a female passenger originating from Sierra Leone was intercepted at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMI), Mumbai. The passenger, who had arrived from Nairobi, Kenya, on March 24, was found to be carrying a substantial quantity of cocaine concealed within various toiletry items.

Upon closer examination of the passenger's luggage, DRI officers discovered that several items, including shoes, moisturizer bottles, shampoo bottles, and anti-perspirants, exhibited unusual weight and rigidity. Subsequent inspection revealed that these seemingly innocuous items harbored a white powdery substance cleverly concealed within them.

Field tests conducted on the suspicious substance yielded positive results for cocaine. A total of 1,979 grams of the illicit substance, with an estimated street value of approximately ₹19.79 crore, was seized by authorities. The passenger was promptly detained and presented before the court, where she was remanded into judicial custody following her statement.

The arrest underscores the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating transnational drug trafficking networks. Investigations into the matter are ongoing, as authorities seek to ascertain the full extent of the individual's involvement and any potential accomplices.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the pervasive nature of drug smuggling operations and the need for enhanced vigilance at international transit points. It also highlights the critical role played by intelligence gathering and proactive enforcement measures in disrupting illicit drug trade networks.

As authorities continue their efforts to combat drug trafficking, it is imperative for international cooperation and information sharing to be strengthened to effectively address this global menace. The arrest of the Sierra Leonean passenger in India underscores the interconnected nature of drug trafficking and the importance of concerted action to safeguard communities from the devastating consequences of narcotics trade.