Brazilian woman held at Mumbai Airport with ₹10.96 crore cocaine hidden in stomach

A Brazilian woman was arrested at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for attempting to smuggle 1,096 grams of cocaine, valued at ₹10.96 crore, by ingesting 100 capsules of the drug. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted her based on specific intelligence after she arrived from São Paulo.

Upon questioning, the woman admitted to swallowing the drug-filled capsules to smuggle them into India. Following her confession, she was taken to a government hospital, where doctors extracted the capsules under medical supervision. Officials confirmed that all 100 capsules were recovered safely.

The seized cocaine was taken into custody under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The woman was formally arrested and charged with smuggling a commercial quantity of narcotics, an offense punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Authorities have not disclosed her identity.

Investigators are now working to identify the network involved in this trafficking attempt. The DRI is tracking her contacts, including handlers and accomplices who were expected to receive the contraband in India. Officials are also examining potential links to larger international drug syndicates.

This arrest is part of ongoing efforts to curb drug smuggling through international routes. The DRI has been conducting surveillance and intelligence-based operations to intercept narcotics shipments. Officials have urged passengers to avoid involvement in illegal activities, warning of severe legal consequences under Indian law.