Opium, pseudoephedrine worth Rs 2.4 crore seized

Based on information that a parcel containing narcotics drugs is likely to be smuggled out of the country through courier in the guise of mouth freshener candy, sleuths from Intelligence Unit of Air Customs seized a parcel from the warehouse.

The officials found that the consignor had declared that the parcel contains jeera goli (cumin candy). The parcel was found to contain 24 packets.

The candies prima facie tested positive for opium. The officials seized 11.68 kg of cumin candies suspected to be opium, which is valued at Rs 2.33 crore, and a sample has been sent to a laboratory. The consignor from Chennai was arrested under NDPS Act.

In another incident on Wednesday, a parcel declared as sarees and other garments destined for Australia was intercepted at a courier warehouse in the city based on information. On examination, each saree was wrapped around two cardboard sheets, which appeared to be unusually heavy. On cutting them open, white crystalline powder was found concealed inside. The powder was tested and found to be pseudoephedrine.

Pseudoephedrine worth Rs 7 lakh (4.785 kg) was recovered from 16 cardboard sheets and a sample has been sent to a laboratory for further tests.

Opium is a highly addictive narcotic drug obtained from the poppy plant and it is used in the manufacture of heroin. Pseudoephedrine is a controlled substance and used in the manufacturing of amphetamines, a psychotropic substance.