DRI seizes 2 kg cocaine consignment in Surat; One held

Officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized approximately two kilograms of high-grade cocaine, valued at an estimated ten crore rupees, from a passenger aboard the Tejas Rajdhani Express at Surat Railway Station. Acting on confidential intelligence provided by the agency's Bengaluru headquarters, a joint operation involving DRI intelligence officers and Railway Protection Force personnel intercepted the train.

The suspect, identified as a thirty-nine-year-old resident of Navi Mumbai, was travelling from Delhi to Mumbai in a third AC coach. Authorities escorted him off the train after observing his suspicious behaviour and inconsistent responses. A forensic inspection revealed that three plastic-wrapped packets of cocaine were hidden inside a specially modified secret compartment in the inner lining of his black trolley bag.

Investigators discovered during interrogation that the arrested individual had previously travelled to foreign countries, including Bangladesh and Afghanistan, prompting central agencies to investigate potential international drug syndicates. The accused was initially placed in one day of DRI custody before a Surat court remanded him to fourteen days of judicial custody. The prosecution indicated that further custodial interrogation may be sought if necessary.

Not yet reported: The articles do not specify the exact identities of the intended recipients or major drug traffickers in Mumbai who were allegedly meant to receive the consignment.