CHENNAI: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized a huge cache of 440 kg of ketamine hydrochloride, popularly known as party drug, at Tuticorin Port, its largest ever capture of the contraband.
Based on information that the banned drug was being smuggled out of the country in packages of salt and miscellaneous items via ports, the DRI increased its vigil at Tuticorin Port.
On Thursday, DRI sleuths of the Chennai office intercepted an export consignment covered under two shipping bills consigned to Malaysia containing iodised salt, fried grams, rice flakes and other miscellaneous items. In total, 519 bags of iodised salt weighing 13 metric tonnes were billed.
On examination, it was found that 22 of the 519 bags of iodised salt, though had exactly identical details including marks and printed description on the bags, were of slightly different external appearance.
When these 22 bags were opened for verification, they were found to contain substance resembling ketamine. Later, the sleuths recovered 440 kg of ketamine worth Rs 44 crore, filled in 589 retail packs resembling normal iodised salt packs.
Besides apprehending three persons in this connection, DRI officials also verified the Import Export Code (IEC), which turned out to be a bogus one.
Incidentally, one of the trios arrested was also involved in the smuggling of 100 kg of ephedrine in the year 2007. Sea route is much preferred by ketamine smugglers, sources said. Since 2006, the seizures of ketamine have been on the rise.
Based on information that the banned drug was being smuggled out of the country in packages of salt and miscellaneous items via ports, the DRI increased its vigil at Tuticorin Port.
On Thursday, DRI sleuths of the Chennai office intercepted an export consignment covered under two shipping bills consigned to Malaysia containing iodised salt, fried grams, rice flakes and other miscellaneous items. In total, 519 bags of iodised salt weighing 13 metric tonnes were billed.
On examination, it was found that 22 of the 519 bags of iodised salt, though had exactly identical details including marks and printed description on the bags, were of slightly different external appearance.
When these 22 bags were opened for verification, they were found to contain substance resembling ketamine. Later, the sleuths recovered 440 kg of ketamine worth Rs 44 crore, filled in 589 retail packs resembling normal iodised salt packs.
Besides apprehending three persons in this connection, DRI officials also verified the Import Export Code (IEC), which turned out to be a bogus one.
Incidentally, one of the trios arrested was also involved in the smuggling of 100 kg of ephedrine in the year 2007. Sea route is much preferred by ketamine smugglers, sources said. Since 2006, the seizures of ketamine have been on the rise.
Ketamine seizures by Chennai Zonal Unit
2006: Four cases and 49.32 kgs seized
2007: Six cases and 141.67 kgs seized
2008: Six cases and 486.94 Kgs seized
2009: Seven cases and 1039.95 kgs seized
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