A 26-year-old woman flier from Republic of Congo, suspected to be a part of an international drug smuggling syndicate, has been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle cocaine worth Rs5.44 crore by ingesting it in the form of capsules. Bopulenge Ndomba purged 10 capsules, containing 544 grams of cocaine, during her two-day stay at JJ Hospital, said the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). In her confession, she allegedly claimed to have passed with drugs undetected on previous occasions, said the officials.
According to the DRI, specific intelligence was gathered that the accused, travelling from Addis Ababa to Mumbai, is supposed to land on February 14, with the contraband. She was intercepted at the airport's arrival hall, however, no drugs were recovered from her. Upon questioning, Ndomba admitted to having ingested capsules in her stomach, said the officials, adding that they then took court's permission for her medical examination.
Ndomba was taken to JJ Hospital and doctors informed that 10 capsules were excreted by her between February 14 and 16, which were subsequently handed over to the DRI. The white-coloured content of the capsules tested positive for the presence of cocaine, said the officials. She was discharged from the hospital on Sunday and her statement was recorded the next day.
A DRI source said, “Ndomba admitted that she was aware that smuggling cocaine and other illegal drugs into India attracts stringent punishment. She had successfully smuggled drugs on previous occasions in India.” Hence, she was confident that he would clear Customs authorities this time as well, said the source, adding that she was getting a handsome amount for the peddling.
