DRI’s Pre-New Year Crackdown: Rs. 21 Crore Worth of Cocaine Seized in 48 Hours at Mumbai Airport

Mumbai, 22nd December 2023: In a heightened effort to curb narcotics activities before New Year’s Eve, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized approximately 1,273 grams of cocaine at Mumbai International Airport. The seized cocaine, with an estimated value of Rs. 12 crores, is part of a larger crackdown, with DRI confiscating cocaine worth around Rs 21 crore in just 48 hours.

The arrested individual, identified as Amoine Mari Kouume (30), hails from Ivory Coast. DRI officials received intelligence regarding narcotics possession by a woman arriving from Ethiopia early on Thursday. Acting on this information, DRI deployed officials at the airport. Despite an initial search yielding no results, further examination uncovered 1273 grams of cocaine concealed in her bag. Consequently, Amoin was arrested, and a case was registered against her under the Anti Narcotics Act.

Further investigation revealed that a man from Ethiopia had provided her with the cocaine. In a separate incident on Tuesday, DRI apprehended Fatuma Nakitende (40) from Uganda, in possession of 890 grams of cocaine with a value of eight crore 90 lakh rupees. The cocaine was hidden in her wig and underwear. Nakitende confessed that she resorted to smuggling cocaine due to financial difficulties, aiming to earn one thousand dollars (83 thousand rupees). However, she was arrested before executing her plan.

International criminal networks are suspected to be involved in both cases, with indications that the cocaine was intended for supply during New Year parties. In response, heightened vigilance has been implemented within the central system, with special attention focused on monitoring suspicious passenger movements at the airport.