In a significant operation, India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a consignment of 12 kilograms of hashish oil at Thoothukudi’s Old Harbour Port, thwarting an attempt to smuggle the contraband to the Maldives. The seized substance is estimated to have a market value of approximately MVR 21,000,000 (Million).
Acting on a tip-off, DRI officials intensified surveillance in the Old Harbour area. On Wednesday, they apprehended two individuals on a motorcycle carrying a bag containing 12 containers of a dark, viscous substance. Chemical analysis confirmed the substance as hashish oil, a concentrated cannabis extract.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Raja alias Jesuraja (34) and Sudhakar (33), both residents of Fatima Nagar in Thoothukudi. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Kingsly (56), a crew member of a sailing vessel, and Marimuthu (30), a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel from Sorispuram in Thoothukudi, who allegedly facilitated the smuggling operation by allowing the contraband to pass through security checkpoints.
All four suspects were produced before a magistrate court on Thursday and have been remanded in judicial custody. The DRI’s swift action has prevented a substantial quantity of hashish oil from reaching the Maldives, highlighting India governments ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.
*Source: Times of India*
