DRI seizes Rs 70 cr worth drugs in Kerala so far in FY 25-26
Kozhikode (Kerala) (PTI): The DRI on Tuesday said it has seized about Rs 70 crore worth drugs in Kerala so far in this financial year, and effected 21 arrests.
In the latest seizure, nearly two kg of crystal methamphetamine was recovered from a passenger at the International Airport here as part of its continued crackdown on narcotics trafficking in the state, DRI said.
In a statement, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence said a man hailing from Palakkad was intercepted after he arrived from Muscat on Monday.
"Acting on specific intelligence, officers of the Calicut Regional Unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Cochin Zonal Unit, intercepted a passenger and recovered two packets containing Crystal Methamphetamine, weighing a total of 1,931 grams," the agency said.
Officials said the drugs were cleverly hidden inside food packets kept in the passenger's checked-in baggage.
"The seized narcotic substance, valued at approximately Rs 3.86 crore in the illicit international market, was ingeniously concealed inside food packets placed in the passenger's checked-in baggage," the statement said.
The passenger has been arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
"Further investigation is in progress to ascertain the source of the narcotics and to identify other individuals and networks involved in this smuggling operation," the DRI added.
The agency said the latest seizure is part of its sustained efforts against drug trafficking in the state.
"In this financial year, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Cochin Zonal Unit, has seized narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (NDPS), including hydroponic weed, methamphetamine and cocaine, valued at Rs 70.76 crore in Kerala. In connection with these seizures, 21 individuals have been arrested," it said.
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Actor Esha Gupta returns to India after being stuck in UAE, says it was a ‘tough’ situation
Mumbai (PTI): Actor Esha Gupta on Tuesday said she has safely returned to India after being stranded in the United Arab Emirates amid escalating tension due to the Israel-US attack on Iran.
“Back home. Thank you all for your prayers and wishes. It was very tough to be in the situation we all faced. Truly God’s blessing to be safe,” Gupta said in a statement posted on Instagram.
Tensions in the middle east have escalated following a coordinated offensive launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28. Iran responded by firing drones and missiles at Israel and US military installations across the Gulf, and also at the global business hub of Dubai.
The actor, best known for “Jannat 2”, “Rustom” and “Total Dhamaal”, also recounted the tense atmosphere at the Abu Dhabi airport.
“It started when I was at the airport on the 28th (Saturday). By 1 p.m., the airport was closed, chaos all around as none of us knew what had happened. Then the news started coming of the missile attack, and no one knew what the next minute held for us. Strangers consoled each other, all calling their families back home,” Gupta said.
The actor lauded the “strength” and the “composure” of the Abu Dhabi International Airport staff and added that ground security and airport personnel acted immediately to maintain order.
“I hadn’t checked in myself by then, so I took a turn and left for my hotel in Abu Dhabi,” she said, adding that passengers were provided accommodations at available hotels and highlighting the dedication of hotel staff during such a tense situation.
She further said the hotel management answered all their questions patiently to the best of their ability and that there was no shortage of any service.
“The lobby was full of people, including us, scared due to the security alert, but there was no chaos. The hotel security kept reassuring everyone. Not once did we see the people, all scared internally, create stress; we were all in this together,” Gupta said and even thanked the airline staff for their assistance.
“All this shows just the backbone of a country and its strength; they took action when needed, no blaming anyone, just strong decisions. Thank you to everyone who helped and is helping people of the world get back home. Your country is truly special,” she said.
Gupta concluded her post by thanking everyone who helped ensure her safe return.
“Thank you for our government for providing its citizens with reassurance and working towards getting us all back. Thank you to UAE government in working in solidarity with every country for the citizens of the world,” she said.
Actor Sonal Chauhan also updated her fans and admirers that she is heading back home after being stranded in Dubai.
The actor shared the update through her Instagram Stories with a few videos showing her travelling in a car on her way to the airport, with the song ‘Coming Home’ by Skylar Grey playing in the backdrop.
