A Filipino passenger was arrested at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India, on December 13 for attempting to smuggle 503 grams of cocaine worth approximately ₹75.4 million or around P51 million. The arrest was announced by Delhi Customs on Friday.
The suspect admitted to swallowing capsules containing narcotics. Initially, customs officials recovered 35 capsules at the Arrival Hall of Terminal-3. He was then taken to Safdarjung Hospital, where an additional 31 capsules were expelled, totaling 66. Laboratory tests confirmed the contents as cocaine.
🚨 Filipino National arrested Smuggling cocaine of 503 grams at IGI Airport, New Delhi by Ingesting 66 capsules inside stomach
On December 13, 2024, the vigilant officers of Airport Customs, IGI Airport, Terminal-3, New Delhi, booked a significant case of drug smuggling… pic.twitter.com/dJKIttNDbd— Delhi Customs (Airport & General) (@AirportGenCus) December 27, 2024
The passenger, who arrived on Flight ET 688 from Addis Ababa after a Bangkok layover, was intercepted while passing through the Green Channel meant for passengers with nothing to declare. The cocaine and the concealment materials were seized under Section 43(a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
The accused is in custody and faces charges under several NDPS Act provisions, including Sections 21, 43(a), and 29. Authorities suspect the smuggling is linked to a larger international drug trafficking network. Investigations are ongoing to trace the supply chain and identify others involved.
