On the basis of suspicion, two Ugandan nationals coming from Entebebe via Doha by flight QR-578 were intercepted by air customs officers at IGI Airport here today.  During search of the checked in bags of the two passengers, total 51 pouches containing 9.8 kg (approx) of white powdery substance, suspected to be narcotics was recovered. When this material was subjected to diagnostic test, prima facie it appears to contain commercial quantity of  heroin, valued at ₹ 68 crore (approx).

In view of the above, it is clear that the saidpassengers had violated provisions of section 8 of the NDPS act, 1985 and had committed offence punishable under section 21, section 23 and section 29 of NDPS act 1985 read along with provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. It is one of the biggest detection of heroin/narcotics at any international airport in the country.  Further investigation in the matter is under process.

Illicit heroin importation intercepted at an international airport, triggering NDPS and Customs prosecution and investigation. Air customs officers intercepted two foreign passengers and recovered multiple pouches of a white powder that diagnostic testing indicated was prima facie heroin of commercial quantity. The seizure is treated as contravention of the prohibition on possession and transportation of narcotic drugs and as an offence attracting prosecution under the narcotics penal provisions read with customs law, and further investigation is ongoing.