Vashi: Crystal methamphetamine, cocaine worth Rs 1476 crores seized from truck carrying imported oranges

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai seized 198 kg high purity crystal methamphetamine (ice) and 9 kg high purity Cocaine worth Rs. 1476 crores in a meticulously planned operation on Saturday. It is one of the most significant seizures of amphetamine and cocaine in the country. Based on intelligence inputs surveillance was maintained for 10-12 days looking for consignment of imported fruits being cleared from some cold shortages. 

A team of DRI officers intercepted a truck late Friday night at Vashi with a contraband consignment of imported Valencia Oranges. On thorough checking and examination, a large quantity of illicit drugs were found concealed in the cartons of Valencia oranges. The said truck had left the Prabhu Hira Ice & Cold Storage in Vashi with goods laden on it.

This is a new kind of modus operandi involving the concealment of drugs in the boxes of “Valentia Oranges” imported from South Africa. After clearance of such oranges from the Customs area, the goods used to get stored in some cold storages in Vashi.

In this regard, the importer of the goods has been nabbed and is being interrogated. Further search operations for identifying and nabbing the people involved in running this chain of smuggling of drugs is on.