Latest news with #DelhiCustoms
Hindustan Times
07-08-2025
- Hindustan Times
Not chocolates: ₹82 crore drug haul found in boxes labelled Ferrero Rocher at IGI airport
In a major drug bust at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, customs officials seized over 5.4 kg of suspected cocaine worth approximately ₹82 crore. Eight boxes labelled as Ferrero Rocher chocolates, suspected to contain cocaine, seized at IGI Airport.(X-@AirportGenCus) The narcotic substance was concealed in boxes labelled as Ferrero Rocher chocolates. According to officials, the consignment was being carried by an Indian passenger who had arrived from Doha on August 6. The arrest followed routine baggage scanning at Terminal 3, during which customs officers flagged a green handbag for further inspection. Inside, they found eight golden-coloured boxes resembling the popular chocolate brand, but the boxes appeared unusually heavy. A closer examination revealed off-white powder instead of confections. 'The pax was diverted at Green Channel for the X-ray of his personal and baggage search by the customs officers on duty. Subsequently, on examination of the green-coloured hand-carry bag carried by pax, eight (08) golden-coloured boxes of Ferrero Rocher chocolate containing white-coloured narcotics substance suspected to be cocaine, totally weighing 5,469.5 grams (net weight), were found,' Delhi Customs (Airport & General) said in a statement on X. 'When this material was subjected to diagnostic test, prima facie it appeared to be cocaine. The value of said substance is ₹82.04 crore (approx),' it added. The passenger was taken into custody under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and was later remanded to judicial custody. 'Accordingly, the pax has been placed under arrest under Section 43(B) of the NDPS Act, 1985, at about 1930 hrs on 6.8.2025. The white-coloured substance suspected to be cocaine has been seized, along with the concealing material and packaging, under Section 43(A) of the NDPS Act, 1985. Further investigation in the matter is under process,' the statement added.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Yahoo
Authorities catch man attempting to smuggle bizarre item through airport: 'A serious violation of wildlife and customs laws'
A 32-year-old Canadian man was detained in early January after allegedly trying to smuggle a unique specimen out of India, according to CNN. "Upon examination, a skull with sharp teeth, resembling the jaw of a baby crocodile, weighing approximately 777 grams, was discovered wrapped in a cream-colored cloth," Delhi Customs said. Authorities said the skull was believed to belong to a protected species, though they didn't specify which one. The confiscated skull was sent for testing to confirm its identity. At the very least, it is more proof of an ongoing active market for poaching. India has the dubious honor of being a major trafficking hub for endangered animals and remains. "This case highlights a serious violation of wildlife and customs laws," Delhi Customs said, per CNN. "Collaboration between Customs and Forest Departments is crucial to ensuring such protected wildlife items are not smuggled." While we don't know details in this instance, the gharial is the most threatened crocodile species in India. It is among the rarest crocodile species in the world. The animals had been hunted down to less than 200 in 2006, but thanks to rigorous breeding and protection, their population is back up to roughly 1,000. This is still a massive decline from a peak of 20,000. The gharial remains under threat from habitat destruction and fishing. The endangered animal trade, powered by the potential for profit at the cost of the most vulnerable animal species, is a challenge for authorities. Poachers try to smuggle tarantulas, establish elaborate rings, and traffic in hundreds of animal parts. Robust laws and well-equipped agencies can help to tamp down these crimes and protect targeted species. India has several laws in place to dissuade this kind of behavior. The Wildlife Protection Act limits the export of animal remains, which is usually restricted to scientific research. The Customs Act empowers government personnel to arrest travelers who are trafficking in prohibited goods. India is also a member state of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. India has successfully slowed rhino poaching thanks to concerted efforts. Similar work in Madagascar has yielded results in saving turtles from illicit trade. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. If you're eager to take action against poaching closer to home, consider voting for political candidates who endorse tighter import and export controls and who support animal welfare. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
