Operation Garuda: CBI detains container with 25,000 kg narcotics laced with yeast in Vizag port

VISAKHAPATNAM: As part of ‘Operation Garuda’ the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) detained a shipping container suspected to have narcotic drugs mixed with around 25,000 kgs of dried yeast. The entire consignment was seized and a case was booked.

The CBI, acting on input received through Interpol and with the assistance of the Customs Department, detained the shipping container at Visakhapatnam Port.

The said container was booked from “Santos Port, Brazil” for delivery at Visakhapatnam, India in the name of the consignee, a company based in Visakhapatnam. The Shipper had declared that the aforesaid container contained 1,000 bags of inactive dried yeast of 25 Kg each totaling 25,000 kg.

However, on preliminary examination, through narcotics substances detection mechanisms, it appeared that the material shipped contained narcotic drugs mixed with dried yeast. The whole consignment was seized and an FIR was registered against the consignee and unknown others.

The operation indicated the involvement of an international criminal network engaged in importing narcotics drugs by way of mixing them with other substances commonly known as cutting agents.

Earlier, based on Interpol inputs, CBI had conducted operations and registered offenses under the NDPS Act in furtherance of its commitment to fighting the drug menace at an international level. Further investigation is going on.