CBI finds narcotics in container at Vizag Port; drugs mixed with 25,000 kg yeast

New Delhi: In the fight against organised international drug cartels as part of Operation Garuda, the CBI detained a shipping container at the Visakhapatnam Port containing narcotics substances.

The Central Bureau of Investigation performed the operation based on input from Interpol and with the assistance of the Visakhapatnam Customs Department.

The detained container was booked from ‘Santos Port, Brazil’ for delivery at Visakhapatnam. As per the records, the consignee is a Visakhapatnam-based private company. The shipper had declared that the aforesaid container contained 1,000 bags of inactive dried yeast of 25 kg each totalling 25,000 kg.

However, upon preliminary examination, using detection mechanisms to reveal narcotics substances, the material shipped was found to contain narcotic drugs mixed with the inactive dried yeast. The whole consignment has been seized and an FIR has been registered against the consignee and unnamed others.

Operation Garuda aims to curb the involvement of international criminal networks engaged in importing narcotics drugs by way of mixing them with other substances commonly known as cutting agents.

In the past also, based on Interpol inputs, the CBI conducted operations and registered offences under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act in furtherance of its commitment towards fighting the drug menace at an international level.

A case has been registered and further investigation is on.