Authorities from the Odisha Police, Central Industrial Security Force (CIDSF), and Customs have successfully intercepted a substantial drug haul on an Indonesian cargo ship at Paradip Port in Odisha. The joint operation resulted in the seizure of 22 kg of cocaine, estimated to be worth ₹220 crore. The vessel in question, MV Debi, had docked at Paradip International Cargo Terminal en route to Denmark for steel plate transportation.
The discovery unfolded when a crane operator on the ship observed suspicious packets and promptly alerted authorities. Responding to the tip-off, law enforcement, accompanied by a dog squad, conducted a thorough search of the vessel and uncovered the concealed narcotics. Initial concerns about explosive devices were dispelled after scanning revealed the packets contained cocaine. A preliminary narcotics test confirmed the substance, and samples have been sent to a government laboratory for further analysis.
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Madhab Chandra Mishra, the Commissioner of Customs in Bhubaneswar, emphasized the significance of the drug bust. With each kilogram of cocaine valued at ₹10 crore in the international market, the total seizure is a major accomplishment. Crew members of MV Debi will undergo questioning regarding the illicit cargo, and additional arrests are anticipated as the investigation unfolds.
