The Bengaluru unit of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized 4.776 kilograms of cocaine worth around ₹23.88 crore from a Brazilian citizen at Kempegowda International Airport on February 17. The seizure is considered a major success in the fight against international drug smuggling.
According to officials, the woman allegedly tried to smuggle the drugs by soaking her clothes in liquid cocaine. Authorities suspect that the drugs were chemically treated and concealed in the fabric to avoid detection during routine airport checks.
Sources said the NCB had received specific intelligence inputs about a passenger travelling from São Paulo to Doha, and then from Doha to Bengaluru, who was suspected of carrying narcotics. Based on this information, officers kept a close watch on the passenger after her arrival.
As soon as she landed at the airport, NCB officials intercepted and detained her for questioning. During a detailed examination of her luggage and clothing, officers discovered the concealed cocaine.
The accused has been taken into custody, and a case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Officials said strict legal action will be taken.
Investigators are now trying to find out whether the woman was acting alone or as part of a larger international drug trafficking network. Authorities are also examining her travel history, contacts, and possible links to drug suppliers and receivers in India.
The NCB said that efforts to curb drug smuggling through international airports are being intensified, with increased surveillance and intelligence-based operations to prevent such attempts in the future.