A significant haul of cocaine valued at Rs 220 crore was discovered aboard a ship at Paradip port, situated in Odisha's Jagatsinghpur district, according to officials' reports released on Friday.
The incident unfolded when twenty-two suspicious packets were sighted within a crane on the ship, which was docked at the Paradip International Cargo Terminal (PICT) during the night hours on Thursday.
Upon discovery, the crane operator promptly alerted the authorities, suspecting the contents to be potentially explosive. Subsequent tests confirmed the contents as cocaine, officials confirmed.
The cargo vessel, known as MV Debi, embarked on its journey from Egypt and made its way to Paradip via the Gresik port in Indonesia. Its intended destination was Denmark, carrying steel plates, as stated by officials familiar with the matter.
Commissioner of Customs, Madhaab Chandra Mishra, informed PTI, "Twenty-two packets were recovered from a crane on the ship. The powder-like substance was confirmed as cocaine after examination using a special kit. The international market price of the seized material would be between Rs 200 crore and Rs 220 crore."
While no arrests have been made in connection to the seizure, the crew members of the ship have been detained, Mishra further mentioned.
To aid in the ongoing investigation, a Customs team from the state capital, Bhubaneswar, has been expedited to Paradip, he added.
© Copyright 2023. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
