Ahmedabad: In a significant drug bust, customs officials at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport apprehended a passenger on Monday for allegedly attempting to smuggle 9.3 kilograms of heroin. The suspect, a resident of Wayanad in Kerala, had arrived from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, according to authorities.
Seizure Details
The contraband was discovered during a routine inspection of the passenger's hand baggage. Suspicious X-ray images prompted officers to conduct a thorough examination. Upon opening the luggage, they found several packets labeled as food supplements and chocolates. However, a detailed scrutiny revealed that these packets contained a white powder and white granular substances, later identified as heroin by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).
The total quantity of 9.3 kg was seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The passenger has been arrested and is currently in custody.
Recent Similar Incidents
This seizure follows a similar operation on May 16, 2026, when customs officers confiscated 6.54 kg of cannabis from a passenger arriving from Thailand. In that case, the narcotic was concealed in vacuum-sealed packets hidden inside a trolley bag. The passenger was also arrested under the NDPS Act.
Investigation Underway
Officials are investigating whether the arrested passenger was a carrier for a larger drug syndicate. The origin and final destination of the heroin are being probed. A senior customs official stated, “Contraband often gets distributed through multiple channels with point-to-point contacts. In the past, several crime syndicates have been dismantled through multi-agency operations.”
The customs department continues to maintain high vigilance at the airport to prevent such illegal activities. Travelers are advised to adhere to all regulations and avoid carrying any prohibited substances.
