Foreigner arrested at Amritsar airport with 25 kg MDMA pills hidden in soft toys

Customs officials at Amritsar airport arrested a passenger after finding suspected MDMA tablets hidden inside soft toys. The seizure has widened an investigation into concealment methods and a possible international trafficking network.

In Short

• The passenger landed from Cambodia on flight MH-118 via Kuala Lumpur
• Screening was triggered by intelligence inputs and Airport Intelligence Unit profiling
• X-ray checks flagged baggage, leading officers to inspect four altered toys

A passenger arriving at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar has been arrested after Customs officials seized over 25 kg of suspected MDMA tablets concealed inside soft toys, officials said.

The accused had arrived on flight MH-118 from Cambodia via Kuala Lumpur. Acting on intelligence inputs and profiling by the Airport Intelligence Unit (APIU), Customs officers selected the passenger for detailed screening upon arrival.

During baggage examination, officials noticed suspicious items during X-ray scanning, prompting a thorough physical inspection. Upon opening the luggage, they discovered that four soft toys had been specially modified to conceal packets of suspected narcotic substances.

Officials said approximately 25.25 kg of tablets, believed to be MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), were recovered from the toys. The substance is classified as a banned psychotropic drug under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The concealed packets were carefully embedded inside the stuffing of the toys, indicating a sophisticated method of smuggling designed to evade detection during routine checks.

Following the seizure, the passenger was taken into custody under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act. Authorities have not yet disclosed the identity of the accused, as the investigation is ongoing.

Customs officials said the case appears to be linked to a larger international drug trafficking network. Investigators are now working to trace the origin of the consignment, identify handlers involved in the supply chain, and map the intended destination of the drugs.

Preliminary findings suggest that the consignment may have been routed through multiple transit points to avoid suspicion. Officials are also examining travel records, communication devices, and financial transactions to gather further evidence.

“This is a significant seizure and indicates the continued use of innovative concealment techniques by traffickers,” a senior Customs officer said, adding that surveillance and profiling measures have been strengthened to counter such attempts.

The seized contraband has been sent for laboratory testing to confirm its composition. Further investigation is underway to uncover the full extent of the smuggling network and to identify other individuals who may be involved in the operation.

- Ends