CHENNAI: Customs officials at Chennai international airport have seized 44 kg of hashish and 700 gram of methamphetamine, totally worth Rs 5.1 crore, from a consignment meant for Doha in Qatar. Two people were arrested in connection with the seizure.
Based on intelligence, officers of Chennai air cargo customs recently intercepted a consignment at the air cargo export shed, which was destined for Doha. The shipping bill declared that the consignment contained 55 weighing machines in seven packages. All the packages were opened and examined.
It was opened, and digital weighing scales were found inside which were unusually heavy. All the weighing machines were opened. It was found that there were concealments in 52 machines.
It was noticed that there was a specially designed metal box fixed with tape to the bottom of scale. When it was opened, two pieces of dark brown material in cake form wrapped with plastic strips and sheets were found concealed inside.
The material tested positive for hashish. Total 44 kg of hashish valued at Rs 4.4 crore was recovered from 44 machines, and 700 gram of Methamphetamine crystals valued at Rs 70 lakh were recovered from two machines. Both hashish and meth crystals were seized under NDPS Act.
Additionally, 1,620 gram of pregabalin capsules, a prescription drug used in anxiety disorder, and fibromyalgia were recovered from six machines and seized. This drug does not fall on the controlled drug list in India, but it is a controlled drug in many countries.
The exporter, Sree Aalaya, was searched. The exporter and a staff member of the custom house agent was also arrested.