DRI seizes Rs. 47 crore worth of cocaine from woman arriving from Colombo at Mumbai airport

Cocaine hidden in coffee packets seized at Mumbai airport; DRI busts international drug syndicate using Indian couriers

November 1, 2025

DRI cracks major drug network after cocaine haul from Colombo flight Cocaine in coffee packets! DRI’s ₹47 crore seizure stuns Mumbai airport

Five arrested in major anti-narcotics operation at Mumbai airport

In a major crackdown on international drug trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 4.7 kilograms of cocaine valued at approximately ₹47 crore from a female passenger who arrived from Colombo at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).

According to the finance ministry, DRI officers intercepted the passenger shortly after her arrival and conducted a thorough examination of her baggage. The inspection revealed nine pouches of a white powdery substance concealed inside coffee packets. A preliminary test using the NDPS field kit confirmed the substance to be cocaine.

Following the seizure, the DRI arrested four more individuals connected to the smuggling network — one who came to the airport to collect the consignment and three others involved in financing, logistics, and distribution.

All five accused have been arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

The ministry noted a disturbing pattern in recent DRI operations, highlighting that international drug syndicates are increasingly exploiting Indian women as couriers.

“Smugglers are concealing narcotics within food items and everyday edibles to camouflage the contraband and evade detection,” the ministry stated.

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