Chilean National Caught Smuggling 7.7 kg Cocaine in Children’s Books at Bengaluru Airport
Chilean National Caught Smuggling 7.7 kg Cocaine in Children’s Books at Bengaluru Airport
Bengaluru authorities uncovered a novel method used by international drug cartels to transport narcotics when a Chilean man was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) carrying 7.7 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside children’s fairytale books. The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Customs acted on a verified tip-off and intercepted the 70-year-old suspect at the T2 arrival hall at 10:30 AM on Wednesday.
Sources revealed that the accused had arrived on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET-690 from Addis Ababa. “The cocaine shipment was reportedly handed over to him in Sao Paulo. He traveled from the Brazilian city to Addis Ababa, en route to Bengaluru, and had no onward travel plans,” said officials. “He speaks only Spanish and has largely refused to cooperate with authorities.”
During the inspection of his checked baggage, AIU officials discovered packets of cocaine cleverly concealed within children’s storybooks printed in Spanish. The seizure included just over 3 kg of white powder and 4.5 kg of black powder. Field testing kits confirmed that both substances were cocaine.
Black cocaine, or “coca negra,” is a mixture of cocaine base or hydrochloride combined with charcoal, dyes, or other additives to mask its appearance, making it harder for sniffer dogs and routine checks to detect.
“In India’s grey market, cocaine fetches between Rs 5 crore and Rs 10 crore per kilogram, depending on quality and demand,” added sources. “The seized drugs were of high grade.”
The case highlights Bengaluru’s growing struggle with illicit drug trafficking. Over the last fiscal year alone, AIU Customs officers at KIA registered nearly 100 cases and seized more than 700 kg of hydroponic ganja under the Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Officials said most of the hydroponic cannabis is believed to be smuggled from Bangkok.
The Chilean national was formally arrested under the NDPS Act. Conviction under the Act carries a minimum sentence of 10 years. Cocaine possession and trafficking are strictly prohibited under India’s Central Anti-Drug Act.
Cocaine is derived from the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylon coca), native to South America. It is a highly potent stimulant that affects the entire body, especially the central nervous system (CNS). The drug triggers the brain’s reward pathways, producing euphoria and a strong compulsion to continue use, making it extremely addictive.
