Two Brazilian Women Arrested as Cocaine Valued at Rs 25.91 Crore Is Confiscated at IGI Airport

In a significant drug bust at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) successfully seized a massive haul of cocaine worth Rs 25.91 crore. The drugs were found hidden in the luggage of two Brazilian women who were attempting to smuggle the narcotic substance into India. This operation underscores the continuing efforts of the authorities to combat international drug trafficking and the growing trend of women being used as drug couriers.

The Arrest and Discovery

The seizure took place on February 10, 2025, after a routine screening of passengers at IGI Airport, which is a major international hub. The NCB, in collaboration with customs officials, had been keeping a close eye on passengers arriving from Brazil, a country known to be a source for drug trafficking operations into India and other parts of the world.

The two Brazilian women, who arrived on a flight from Rio de Janeiro, were detained after their behavior raised suspicion. According to officials, both women appeared nervous and anxious, which prompted the authorities to conduct a thorough check of their baggage. Upon further inspection, a significant quantity of cocaine was discovered ingeniously concealed within the lining of their bags.

The total weight of the cocaine amounted to several kilograms, and its street value is estimated at a staggering Rs 25.91 crore. The women were immediately arrested and taken into custody for questioning.

Smuggling Techniques and Patterns

The authorities revealed that drug trafficking organizations often use unsuspecting individuals, especially women, to carry illicit substances across borders. The women, often referred to as “mules,” are typically unaware of the full extent of the operation, with some coerced or promised monetary compensation. In this case, the NCB officials suspect that the women were part of a larger international drug cartel, though investigations are ongoing.

Drugs such as cocaine are often smuggled through international airports, where they are hidden in various ways to evade detection. The method of concealment used by the two Brazilian women involved intricate modifications to their bags. This discovery has added to the growing concern among law enforcement agencies regarding the sophisticated smuggling techniques used by traffickers.

India has seen a rise in the smuggling of narcotics, particularly cocaine, in recent years. According to reports from the NCB, cocaine seizures have increased substantially, with smugglers taking advantage of India’s burgeoning international connectivity. The NCB is now focusing on expanding its efforts to tackle drug trafficking, particularly from regions such as Latin America, which has been a major origin of such drugs.

Legal Consequences and Investigation

Under Indian law, the possession, trafficking, and trade of narcotic substances such as cocaine are considered serious offenses. Both women face charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), which can carry a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison, along with hefty fines. The authorities have started their investigations into the wider network that the women might be connected to, which is believed to operate internationally.

This operation has highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in controlling the inflow of illegal drugs into India, a country that serves as both a transit point and an end destination for narcotics. The NCB is now working with international agencies, including the Brazilian authorities, to understand the broader context of this smuggling operation and to track down the rest of the network involved.

The Role of International Cooperation

International collaboration plays a crucial role in curbing the flow of narcotics into India. Authorities from both the Indian and Brazilian governments are expected to cooperate closely in the investigation. This collaboration is vital, as it will help authorities track the drug cartel’s operations in Brazil and how the drugs eventually make their way into the Indian subcontinent.

The NCB’s success in intercepting this large cocaine shipment is also a testament to the increasing surveillance and intelligence-sharing efforts among international law enforcement agencies. These collaborations are essential for taking down large international drug trafficking rings and preventing them from entering countries like India, which have become high-demand markets for illegal substances.

Conclusion

The recent seizure of cocaine at IGI Airport represents a significant achievement in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in India. With the arrest of two Brazilian women, the NCB has not only disrupted a major smuggling operation but has also sent a strong message to international drug traffickers. As investigations continue, authorities remain committed to tackling the growing drug menace and ensuring that narcotics do not find their way into the country’s streets.

The growing use of women as drug couriers and the advanced smuggling techniques used by traffickers highlight the ever-evolving nature of the global drug trade. However, with increased vigilance, cooperation, and the continued efforts of agencies like the NCB, the authorities are determined to keep fighting this menace and make it more difficult for smugglers to succeed in their illicit endeavors.