Date:18/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/18/stories/2008071853490500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Woman attempting to smuggle Ketamine held

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: For the first time, officials of the Customs Air Intelligence Unit arrested a 38-year-old woman at the Anna International terminal here on Wednesday night, when she tried to smuggle Ketamine Hydrochloride to Kuala Lumpur.

The officials seized three kg of the drug, which was packed in baby food tins.

The drug was valued at Rs. 30 lakh in the international market. Parminder Singh, Commissioner of Customs (Airport), said the officials on suspicion intercepted Parveen Ismail of Tiruchi.

A check of her hand bag revealed that it contained four tins of dietary supplements for children, besides clothes and other food items.

Given by stranger

Interrogation revealed that the tins containing dietary supplements were handed over to her by a stranger.

Mr. Singh said the smugglers removed the bottom portion of the tins and replaced the dietary supplement with the drug and sealed them again.