Drug syndicates have shunned the old practice of physique concealment to sneak-in drugs with newer approaches to hoodwink the authorities, the most up-to-date situations have revealed.
“There is a change in modus operandi adopted by the drug mules from body concealment to meticulous baggage concealment which throws newer challenges to law enforcement agencies,” mentioned an officer from an enforcement agency who is component of investigations.
Drugs are wrapped in numerous pouches and particular cavities are developed in the baggage to conceal them. The earlier technique was to conceal the contraband in the rectum. Such carriers are placing themselves at a grave danger, authorities stated. Such passengers are convinced for prompt self-removal. Delayed removal of rectal foreign bodies can lead to extreme complications like abdominal, rectal pains related with bleeding and infections.
Cocaine, regarded as the drug of the wealthy, is in higher demand. The syndicates have been active on a enormous scale in the course of the pandemic which can be derived from the huge quantity of seizures of cocaine by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in the city. The total quantity of cocaine seized by DRI in the final fortnight is about 4.5 kgs, obtaining a worth of Rs. 27 crore in the illicit market place. “These series of continuous seizures of cocaine by DRI in Mumbai is indicative of a very high demand of cocaine even though it is the most expensive narcotics drug,” the officer mentioned.
Investigations revealed that many gangs are involved in discreetly sourcing the drugs with many layers involved. The contraband is supplied only to identified persons to steer clear of arrest. Sources stated that cocaine is primarily produced in Latin American nations. It is transported to Brazil and from there it is taken to Africa’s Lagos or Lome for wrapping and concealing. After that, it is smuggled to India by means of carriers who have been briefed about the delivery technique.
Across the nation, nearby peddlers are offered smaller quantities to be sold in metro cities. The peddlers are paid handsomely and they sell it to only distinct clientele to steer clear of becoming arrested. The network of peddlers carrying smaller quantities and targeting largely the youths make it tricky for agencies to bust the whole racket.