Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 3: A Brazilian man, Fernando Jeronimo Santos Da Silva, was arrested by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the customs department at Mumbai Airport for allegedly smuggling 1.65 kg of cocaine, concealed in 170 capsules ingested by the accused. The illicit contraband, valued at Rs 16.49 cr, was seized after Da Silva was found to be part of an international smuggling syndicate.
On Tuesday, AIU officials, monitoring passengers, became suspicious of Da Silva. Upon inspection, nothing unusual was found in his luggage, but he appeared uncomfortable. During questioning, Da Silva admitted to ingesting the capsules, which caused him abdominal pain. In a visit to the washroom, he expelled 26 capsules, which were tested and confirmed to contain cocaine.
Further investigation led to Da Silva's hospitalization at JJ Hospital, where between Tuesday and Saturday, he purged an additional 144 capsules. All of them tested positive for the drug.
Authorities are continuing to investigate his network of accomplices involved in the smuggling operation.