SSR Airport: 16.4 Kilos of Drugs Worth Rs 50 Million Seized; A Suspected Smuggler and a Policeman Arrested

A drug operation at SSR Airport led to the arrest of a suspected French smuggler and a police officer after authorities seized 16.4 kilos of drugs. This comprised 58 plastic packages, including 18 containing cannabis and 40 containing hashish, valued at approximately Rs 50 million.

The incident occurred on Monday, March 23, upon the arrival of a flight from Paris, France. The Anti-Drug Smuggling Unit (ADSU), in collaboration with the Customs Anti-Narcotic Section, intercepted an unclaimed suitcase on the baggage carousel in the arrivals hall, belonging to a 27-year-old passenger.

The suitcase was scanned, revealing the drugs inside. The ADSU also arrested a police officer suspected of complicity, who was spotted following the smuggler from immigration to the arrivals hall exit.

The suspect then left the area in a private vehicle.

During questioning, the police officer claimed he acted on the instructions of another colleague, who had asked him to follow the passenger to the exit. He has since been detained, and a search of his home yielded no incriminating evidence.