The value of cocaine seized at Paradip Port was approximately Rs. 200 crores

In Paradip port of Odisha, approximately 22 kilograms of cocaine were seized from a ship arriving from Indonesia, as reported on Friday. The confiscated contraband is estimated to be valued at around Rs. 200 crores.

During a search conducted by the Customs Department yesterday, suspicious packets were discovered on the ship. Upon further inspection, a white powdery substance was found within these packets, which subsequent testing confirmed to be cocaine.

The Customs Commissioner, Madhav Chandra Mishra, addressed the seizure of 22 kgs of cocaine in Paradip and has led a team for an ongoing investigation at Paradip.

The detained ship, which was reportedly en route from Indonesia to Europe and made a stop at Paradip for cargo collection, is currently under scrutiny as part of a detailed investigation.

Reportedly, the local police, CISF, and the Dog Squad are jointly investigating the discovery of these suspicious packets on the MV DEBI vessel at the PICT berth of Paradip Port. All seized substances have been handed over to the Excise and Customs Department.

Despite the ship being docked at night, the discovery of these packets was made during a thorough inspection by the Customs Department. The ship’s crew purportedly had no information about the packets or their origins, prompting the involvement of Paradip Adams Police Station, CISF, and the Dog Squad.

While the contents of the packets raised suspicions upon inspection, reassurance has been provided that there is no cause for alarm regarding this discovery.