Date:20/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/20/stories/2008032053900400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Ketamine seized from passenger

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Officials of the Air Intelligence Unit of Customs at the Anna international terminal seized 5 kg of ketamine hydrochloride from a Kuala Lumpur-bound, 23-year-old passenger on Tuesday night. The passenger was arrested.

C. Rajan, Commissioner of Customs (Airport), said frisking of K. Nandakumar and his handbag did not yield anything. Subsequently, his checked-in luggage, a suitcase, was brought back. Two thermoware casseroles were found in the suitcase packed with non-vegetarian food. On closer examination, it was found that the bottom of the casseroles had been cut open and the ketamine powder concealed in a polythene bag.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the passenger agreed to carry the drug to Kuala Lumpur for money. The seized drug was valued at Rs. 50 lakh in the international market. Export of ketamine is allowed subject to obtaining a no objection certificate from the Narcotics Commissioner.