In a dramatic and calculated operation, officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a massive drug smuggling attempt at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, seizing over 4 kilograms of cocaine cleverly concealed inside comic books. The contraband, valued at nearly ₹40 crore in the international market, was discovered on the morning of 18 July 2025 following an intelligence-led operation.
Acting on specific tip-offs, DRI officers detained an Indian male passenger who had arrived from Doha. During the search of his luggage, officers noticed two superhero-themed comic magazines that felt unusually heavy. Upon further examination, they uncovered layers of white powder hidden inside the covers of the magazines.
Forensic analysis confirmed the substance as high-purity cocaine, weighing approximately 4,006 grams. The drug was immediately seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The accused was arrested and subsequently remanded to judicial custody on the same day.
Authorities say this method of smuggling — hiding narcotics within seemingly harmless items like books and magazines — demonstrates an alarming evolution in trafficking techniques. The use of soft material with layered concealment shows both technical sophistication and calculated deception, which security forces are increasingly prepared to counter.
The DRI emphasized that India’s airports remain high-stakes entry points for international drug syndicates and that vigilance and intelligence sharing continue to be the most effective tools in preventing narcotics from entering the country.
This operation serves as another strong warning to traffickers and reinforces India’s zero-tolerance stance on narcotics. Officials confirmed that investigations are ongoing to trace the source and network involved in this attempted smuggling.
